‘Greek asylum system first serious task for Malta-based support office’

The first serious test for the Malta-based European Asylum Support Office will be the Greek asylum system, according to European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström.

Addressing the inaugural management meeting of the office at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta via a recorded video message, Ms Malmström said the Greek system was “of serious concern”. One of the new office’s first tasks “should be to coordinate the provision of support to Greece in implementing its National Action Plan on Asylum Reform and Migration Management”.

A UN spokesman had earlier last month called on Frontex teams “to make sure any persons seeking international protection are identified and referred to the competent authorities”.

This, however, was particularly challenging in Greece “as the asylum system does not function properly”, the spokesman said.

“The reply the office will be able to give to the Greek situation will be the first and serious test for the office,” Ms Malmström said, adding she was convinced the office, together with the Greek government, would be able to make “clear and tangible improvements” in the Greek asylum procedure and reception system in the near future.

She insisted there had to be “swift cooperation” between the support office and Frontex.

The role of the new office is to support practical cooperation on asylum, assist EU member states under particular pressure and to contribute to the implementation of the Common European Asylum System.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said Malta had been instrumental to raise the profile of migration and asylum issues on the EU’s agenda.

“Malta is providing a refuge for a disproportionately large number of beneficiaries of international protection in relation to the country’s size. This is why we continue to work to persuade member states that can provide a future for these internationally protected people to do so. Malta certainly cannot,” Dr Gonzi said.

He said the support office was a “clear message” the EU was willing to address the realities faced by member states on asylum issues, particularly countries with a disproportionate load on their system such as Malta.

Dutchman Robert Klaas Visser was chosen as executive director of the support office. Dr Visser is the of director-general for legislation, international affairs and immigration within the Dutch Ministry of Justice, where he was responsible for the Central Reception Agency for Asylum Seekers and the Repatriation and Departure Service, among others. He has served as a senior adviser to the Dutch Prime Minister on immigration and legal affairs.