Migrants form 'network for equality' - intend to take part in migration debate

Portelli James

Aug 2nd 2010, 11:10

Louis D'amato did not pass up the opportunity to mention the divorce issue even on this unrelated matter. So I will draw a parallel with this. If, in the divorce scenario one argues that state (i.e. legality) and church (i.e. religion) should be separate, then why should the lines be blurred on the immigration issue? At a human (or religious) level one has to be charitable. But, one cannot deny the fact that the immigrants entered the country irregularly, or more precisely, illegally. Therefore, taking a state approach, they should not be entitled to the privileges requested or – in some cases – that they already enjoy.

One can cite that mitigating circumstances lead them to illegal immigration. But, isn't this also the case with most corradino inmates, given their family or environmental background? Should inmates also be allowed to unionise?

The law upholds equity and delivers justice, not charity. In so doing, the state primarily protects its legal citizens. Whilst the law also advocates rehabilitation (i.e. keeping inmates out of jail), so also immigration laws should focus on their rehabilitation (i.e. seeing them permanently off our shores).

Anything short of that encourages more to come.

Sharon Attard

Aug 2nd 2010, 09:45

Well done to all who worked on and supported this initative! It is a voice which had been conspicuously absent and sorely needed.

John F. GALEA San Gwann

Aug 2nd 2010, 06:16

Equality should apply only to those who come in legally. All illegal immigrants should be sent back from where they came immediately on landing on our shores. The words humanitarian grounds should only apply for short duration. All illegals working here are taking the jobs of the maltese who are registering for unemployment. Government should cease forthwith in issuing residence and working permits to any non EU citizens and possibly to EU ones as well.
Parliamentarians and those in authority are there to safeguard the interest and the rightsof the Maltese. I cannot possibly comprehend why the daily issue of residence and working permits to outsiders. Futhermore employers, including major economic players should desist in the employment of foreigners at the exzpense of the hard working Maltese who are struggling tomake both ends meet. Unbelievable some non EU people have been here for over a decade and year in year out they are havingtheir working permits rubber stamped for renewal.
It is reiterated that those in authority should stop these abuses once and for all.

Joe Fenech

Aug 1st 2010, 14:35

That's exactly what we want Africans to do:

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS...

but IN YOUR CONTINENT !!!!!!

George Azzopardi

Aug 1st 2010, 11:28

Here they come making demands .. I wonder what their next step would be!

T Cilia

Aug 1st 2010, 11:15

I don't believe it!!!!! What next??????

Josephine Bugeja

Aug 1st 2010, 11:06

What nice and civilised words from Abshir Abdala. He's all for legality and organization. Why does he not tell the Maltese public about the illegal act committed by many of these migrants in destroying their passports so that the reluctant receiving country would not even know their nationality so that repatriation would be renderd more difficult? Why don't these people use their organizational and rhetorical talents to instil some democracy in their own countries? Abdal looks very smart and that's why his country needs him and others like him to get it out of its mess.

Africa is possibly the richest continent in the world and, regrettably, it has not used its wealth to make progress. The huge majority of its citizens live in misery. They used to blame the colonial powers but now they have been independent for 50 years and still most of the continent is in a mess. The richer an African country is, the more it is overwhelmed by war, internecine strife, corruption and misery. No one can get these countries out of this situation except their own citizens and that is why, by accepting them in Europe, European countries are only perpetuating their condition.

sharon

Aug 1st 2010, 10:15

The interviewer asked a judgemental question regarding the migrants staying together and not mixing with the maltese people! It is obvious that the reason migrants are isolated in Malta is because of the Maltese community refusing to let black people integrate in the society rather than the other way round.
Well done, migrants for taking this intitiative. I am sorry that you still have to face such inequality and racism in 2010 in a supposedly Catholic country!
S Grima, London.

Charles Alamango

Aug 1st 2010, 10:03

I admire the initiative taken by these Illegal Immigrants, what bothers me is the equality part. I totally agree that they should be treated humanely and with respect. But to come to our country illegally and start imposing and requesting rights I abhor. Are they not considering that for us Maltese to arrive to our present quality of life our forfathers had to fight wars and suffer for hundreds of years?? Do they appreciate the huge negative impact they impose on our economy and the threat to our children's future? I bet that the next request on their agenda is to ask for an area to be designated as their first village, with an estimated 10,000 immigrants scattered around I'm sure they will qualify to even elect their own local council and all the amenities of the Maltese. God forbid that this will ever happen. Considering that in Malta the integration of illegal immigrants is still in it's infancy (though my opinion is that integration will take many many years to take hold) the best policy is to have consultations with their country of origin and find a way for them to return safetly back to their countries ASAP.

gaffarena joseph

Aug 1st 2010, 10:02

Why you never made this sort of network for equality when you were in Libya?

Stephen Farrugia

Jul 31st 2010, 20:52

Here is the document that I mentioned : http://videos3.timesofmalta.com/tomcdn/20100731--120200-migrantsnetworkforequalityletter.pdf

Claire Busuttil

Jul 31st 2010, 20:49

I think that migrants are asking too much now, getting more people against them.
Unemployment benefits??????????????????????????? we as a country already struggle to give free medicines to maltese people, to give social benefits for maltese people.....to give also unemployment benefit to the imigrants that came here illegally is TOO MUCH !!
They already get free necessaties....rightly so as humans, but to give them unemployment benefits is really not fair!!
They do not appreciate the things that our country is doing for them, hence making them more looking as a burden on us......

Joe Xuereb

Jul 31st 2010, 20:48

1) I actually read the whole letter with the signatures underneath. Very impressive. It made many concessions to the Maltese - really? - but throughout, there was this desire to be granted freedom to travel away from Malta. Of course that is the ruse. They want out and away. There's no future for them in Malta. They want out. And every day that passes they spend here on this god forsaken little spit of land, makes them more frustrated and determined.


Quotes:

'and create a constructive dialogue with the Government and with Maltese society in general' - how sweet.

'left our families and belongings' - left for good?

'European framework, which means that there are responsibilities which should be shouldered by the European Union' - first hint. But it gets better.


'this institution to give more help to Malta and the migrants here' - in other words, we want out

S. Calascione

Jul 31st 2010, 20:46

Christian values can never be passé because they are the very values that define human beings, having been given them from the very beginning by the Creator himself (cf. Genesis 1:26-27: "in the image and likeness of God").

Having said that, Malta now ranks 45th in the global CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index) ranking (after Dominica, Puerto Rico, Botswana, Mauritius, Brunei Darussalam, Oman, and Macau, among others).

Clearly, we have some way to go..

Robert Callus

Jul 31st 2010, 19:34

It is scary how many Maltese people are more concerned with denying the rights to others rather than having their own respected. I feel amazed and scared when I meet people vociferous against the rights of Africans while they admit they were intimidated not to join a Trade Union, or are separated from their husband/wife and do not consider divorce "dak mhux il-pulutukanti jiddeciedu hija".

What these people are doing is admirable. We should learn from them rather than criticize.

Pat camilleri

Jul 31st 2010, 19:29

Why did they not fight in their countries to sort out the mess there? Millions of dollars and pounds have been poured into these places, and the money just disappears. Send them back together with the so called university people and anyone else who wants to go. We do not want any of them here.

malcolm seychell

Jul 31st 2010, 19:25

I hope the minister will be strong and don't give anything

We all know that most Ngos are the same people people involved.

They want illegal immigrants here. If they don't come bye bye millions from the EU

Joe Xuereb

Jul 31st 2010, 18:55

Only this week I stopped to chat to two sets of workers, here in London. One was a Pole, painting the balustrades. Perfectly legal. And friendly.
The second lot turned out to be Syrian, refurbishing a house in central London. 'Friendly' but cagey. As far as I can tell, why would a Syrian be working in London? After all, until a few years ago, a Maltese national would not have been allowed in. And that only changed with EU membership. Many Maltese youngsters resist leaving their country. Maybe they should and ease the unemployment situation. Jobs will be filled in no time. With hundreds of plasterers? Building boom indeed!
Now, looking at these two guys on the video-clip, - yes, I can imagine them laying bricks albeit none too professionally. Or painting walls. For goodness' sake, how many white-washing jobs can we create so that these sad but very determined individuals can earn the 'economic-migrant' appellative. I am not racist (and I can prove it). But when the boat starts to rock it's time to look at the effect long-term. In Malta and beyond.
And invoking christian values is so passe '. Sew, il-hmar tieghi u nirkeb wara.

Michael Borg

Jul 31st 2010, 18:44

this is Racism !!!! why not include from other eastern countries as well ?? police take action this is racism the law apllies to them as well !!

Kevin Zammit

Jul 31st 2010, 18:14

I actually do believe Malta needs immigrants a good 10% would solve some of our most serious short term problems. Here are my demands: well educated and integrated properly. As well they need to be catholic because we are a catholic country and this would reduce tensions.

Calling everybody racist complaining poor me and gi'me this and gi'me that. Nothing is fair and everybody is unfair while please gi'me some more money is not going to cut it.

Skills? What skills? Filling up trucks with rubble?

What racism? The buses have signs saying blacks sit in the back? Does this guy know bus drivers treat the rest of us just as bad? Why was there no mention that more violent acts were committed between migrants even when they were doing well? Instead he's struggling to point at one case that is doubtful to the extreme!

If a person breaks the law do we now start giving them suspended sentences because you say so as well? Travel documents so that you can do whatever you want even if we have no clue as to your background? How do I know there are no mass murderers amongst you?

Mark-Anthony Falzon

Jul 31st 2010, 18:11

A big well done to Andre Callus and the many other enterprising people who helped the immigrants get this up and running. I'm honoured to be able to call them friends.

A Bezzina

Jul 31st 2010, 18:11

It is great to read about this positive action for migrants to speak for themselves and for their rights, and to see Maltese NGOs and academics supporting them in this initiative! Human Rights do not depend on colour or creed ... and the respect for Human Rights should be the same for all. I wish you luck in this venture and rest assured of support from those Maltese people who care to acknowledge your plight and who wish to assist you in doing something about it!

FRANK MERCIECA

Jul 31st 2010, 17:23

PROSIT!!!!Well done !! I wish all migrants to unite under one banner, in order to face the racism which is thrown at you 24 hrs. a day, 365 days a year. You can only be strong if you are united, as that which happened in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the U>S>A.. Perhaps one day, you will be represented in the Maltese establishment..........anything is possible.........remember Barack Obama.

Luke Buhagiar

Jul 31st 2010, 17:03

Well done to all the migrants for taking the initiative! =]

d. borg

Jul 31st 2010, 16:46

I hope the govt will not give in to any of their demands. Most of them are here illegally anyway. Their brazeness knows no bounds. And may I ask what the 23 University academics have got to do with illegal immigrants? Fejn ikunu dawn meta niddiskutu affarijiet important ghal Malta?

E. Azzopardi

Jul 31st 2010, 16:37

Well, here we go!

G Micallef

Jul 31st 2010, 16:33

We have already a problem with our social security funds and this will be simply making it more direr. Some EU countries are already regretting the so called 'equality' they gave to such migrants. Most of them are taking action but I believe it is already too late. Do not let Malta come to the same situation.

D.Galea

Jul 31st 2010, 16:15

It good for Malta to uphold it's laws for the sake of national security but it went a step too far in one case too many, now the backlash of Racial profiling is starting, Malta will start reaping what it sowed.

Denis Catania

Jul 31st 2010, 15:47

I hope when racism comes up they bring up the racism they show against AFM personnal. If asylum was denied the rights they are asking should also be denied. In saying that if the government gave them work permits unemployment should also be available to them.

Paul Saliba

Jul 31st 2010, 14:46

As people have written this week on The Times comments, our families votes will only go to the party that promises to take us out of the EU, and get rid of all illegal immigrants and settlers.

domnic vella

Jul 31st 2010, 14:38

what if terrorist organisations like Al-Qaeda infiltrate these communities like they actually did in Africa ? What shall we do ? start crying when it's too late ?

N. Bonello

Jul 31st 2010, 14:20

Their aim is Maltese Citizenship to gain:
Freedom of movement
Social Service benefits

omar cacciattolo

Jul 31st 2010, 14:18

i think those that were not granted asylum should be deported ASAP and not given residence permits

mark abela

Jul 31st 2010, 14:16

mela mhux hekk..... we give them unemployment benefits !!!!! Then they will start making 50 social security contributions and then claim benefits forever.

Joe Morana

Jul 31st 2010, 14:13

In nutshell, this 'network' is calling for the recognition and legitimization of the criminal act of colluding, aiding and abetting human traffickers, being illegal immigrants, and crossing sovereign borders of countries without documentation and the proper authority to cross and enter. All illegal immigrants should have their cases reviewed periodically, and those whose case for refugee status, or protection is found to be unwarranted should be deported forthwith! The Minister, if he holds such a meeting, would only be lending the full weight of his office towards legitimizing illegal and criminal activity.i

Dave Alan Caruana

Jul 31st 2010, 14:08

The article specifically refers to illegal immigrants whose asylum applications have been refused, who are currently living and working in Malta illegally (since they don't have residence or work permits).

If these people are asking for equality, they deserve similar treatment to all other foreign nationals living or working illegally in Malta ie. hefty fines for themselves and their employers, coupled with immediate deportation.

As an example of this, refer to the article earlier this week about the Chinese national caught illegally employing another chinese at his restaurant, who was fined and had his trading license revoked. To guarantee true equality and lack of discrimination, the same treatment should extend to all employers employing illegal labour.

cinzia grech

Jul 31st 2010, 13:47

each time i read a new article regarding the ILLEGAL immigration issue i think to myself, 'can it get any worse?' and the answer is a repeatedly blatant YES. one slap after another across the face. with such 'leaders' running our country, we're doomed.

g ellul

Jul 31st 2010, 13:31

Ma jridux xi siggu fil-Parlament ukoll, hux?

Jurgen Grech

Jul 31st 2010, 13:19

"The network also called for the granting of residence permits to individuals whose asylum applications were refused but who had been living and working regularly here for a number of years, irrespective of their status." - x'vilta!!! Mela dawn mhux suppost qieghdin hawn ghax l-applikazzjoni taghhom giet michuda, u bil-wicc tost kollhu jridu l-permess jibqghu hawn xorta wahda talli qed jisirqu l-mpjiegi tal-maltin hutna.

B zammit

Jul 31st 2010, 13:15

The network called for the granting of residence permits to those illegal immigrants (i.e. who had attempted to exploit the loophole legalising their status by applying for asylum and whose applications had failed) "but who had been living and working regularly here for a number of years, irrespective of their status".

In other words this means 'we have tried to sneak in through your door and failed (by applying to legalise their illegal immigration through their failed application for asylum - when the application failure means they did not qualify but applied anyway) but have failed, we now want to sneak in through the window (granting of residence permits to those illegal immigrants whose applications had failed but who had been living and working regularly here for a number of years, irrespective of their status).

Should they have been working in the first place? Is it legal for them to seek work and legal for their employers to employ them?

This could set a serious precedent, encouraging others to come here and first have a go at our asylum system but then knowing full well that if this fails they will have the second chance obtaining a residence permit anyway.

Adriano Spiteri

Jul 31st 2010, 13:12

Can these Africans name similar organizations in Africa made up of Whites and with the intention of fighting racism there!?

I do agree with Andre that these people should unite. Further to this, a true Nationalist government would send them back to their homelands so that they could preach unity amongst their own cousins, currently looting each other and starving.

But our Government is only Nationalist in name. The members within have no idea of what Nationalism means. They simply want to give these illegals the voting right in a last ditch effort to get another 5yr-term. Behind their smiles and charismatic words, there lies their great interest - Opportunism. And they go to great lengths to safeguard the grip, their short term gains which would later on pose long term disaster for the Nation.

It's good to see these people unite,putting their tribal thoughts behind. But it is very sad indeed when our 'Nationalist' PM, torn between religion and politics, does contrary to my beloved Nation by stating that Racism is a problem in this country. Anyway, the leader of a minority-Government that is. Burden sharing is working. Shared injustice is half-justice!

J. Spiteri

Jul 31st 2010, 12:49

Why not include Maltese citizenship as an added bonus? After all, they are contributing enormously to the local economy !

M Pace

Jul 31st 2010, 12:44

Dear Priminister if you allow the following you will be telling the whole of Africa to move here.
I am referring to these 'debate on the rights of persons enjoying humanitarian protection to travel, live and work in the EU', 1the granting of residence permits to individuals whose asylum applications were refused but who had been living and working regularly here for a number of years, irrespective of their status', and migrants who have been working for two years and have made at least 50 social security contributions should be given the right for unemployment benefit as is the case with the Maltese (knowing them they will work the two years and then they will all live on social benefits including their many children. This will be
suicidal for our contry and gives rise for greater racisim. Dear Prim Minister the Maltese should be first and foremost in your agenda do not encourage illegal immigration PLEASE?

Tonio Azzopardi

Jul 31st 2010, 12:19

All these illegal immigrants from Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Ghana, Niger, Mali, Guinea Bissao, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Sierra Leone should grab the opportunity to re-unite and start preparing for an eventual readmission programmes to their original countries, that will see them taking an active part in stabilizing their original country.

They should re-unite with their brothers who are actively collaborating with the African Union forces and EU military advisors in African countries which, border their countries and contribute to stabilize their countries.

Enough with cowardice and escapism!

Free Africa for Free Africans in Africa!

g.c.Forte

Jul 31st 2010, 12:15

" We are not trying to organize ourselves against the Maltese........." I have nothing against these human beings, and I am not a racist , but I DO NOT AGREE to get them officially organized, because today they will have the right to do an inside meeting and tomorrow they will have the right to organize a protest on the streets, then they will apply to vote in our councils, then they will elect one member in a local council, then they will pretend to have a small village for themselves, then two, then a city, and it will be called Junior Africa. Accept them here till they finds their future is more than enough.