80 migrants brought to Malta
Another group of 80 migrants land in Malta on August 20.
A group of 80 migrants has been picked up from a dinghy some 16 miles off Malta and has been brought ashore.
The boat was located by an AFM aircraft 35 miles off Malta and the rescue was made when the boat started taking in water.
The group consists of 60 men and 20 women.
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42 Comments
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Alex Buds
Sep 12th 2012, 19:15
Just look at the "similar stories section" on this page to get a clue as to how serious this problem is...
Kurt Waschnig
Sep 12th 2012, 17:57
What a wonderful news again. A group of 80 migrants has been picked up from a dinghy and has been brought to Malta.
80 desperate human beings risked everything to escape inhuman conditions in their countries. They faced political and social problems they could not stand any longer.
They risked everything and knew they could die by crossing the Mediterranean. We cannot imagine the despair of these migrants, they fight daily to survive.
Their children cannot go to school, there is no medical health care, no unemployment benefits, no pensions, no medical insurances, no jobs, no democracy.
They lived in a dictatorship, they were suppressed and there is no future for them and their children.
Therefore is it natural that these desperate people tried everything to escape and to go to Europe.
80 migrants arrived in Malta, it is so wonderful to know because these human beings escaped poverty and terror.
It is pretty sure that they will stay forever in Malta. The most important step is to integrate them into Maltese society.
That means language courses in English and Maltese must them offered and after that they need jobs in order to build up a stable future in Malta.
All migrants must be treated with dignity and respect and everything should be done by the Government of Malta to enable them a bright future in Malta.
Multiculturalism has commenced in Malta and different cultures, customs, perceptions and values will enrich Malta.
Globalisation, the internet, migrants, science and human beings with a different cultural backgrounds have changed Malta.
Malta is getting more and more liberal and open minded, the impact of the Church has decreased.
After getting jobs migrants will be taxpayers, hopefully they will fall in love with local women, marry and have their own family and being fully integrated into Maltese society.
Migrants need support.
Best regards
Kurt Waschnig Oldenburg Germany
e-mail: [email protected]
Alex Buds
Sep 12th 2012, 19:16
Why don't you lead by example and take them into your home then since you're so enthusiastic about them?
It is easy to post a meaningless comment like this when you are far away in Germany. Talk is very cheap you now.
Charles Cremona
Sep 12th 2012, 19:22
Yes, pull the other one Kurt, maybe we should point them north to your grey dreary country but there again they might not like it there in all that rain.
Rachel Roberts
Sep 12th 2012, 20:43
Well said Kurt!
Dr Alex Bugeja
Sep 12th 2012, 21:23
Get a clue Kurt: Malta has no space for them and their culture is far too different to integrate, even if they had any interest in integration. Most don't.
Maybe Germany wants them? I think both the Maltese and the migrants would be fine with that.
James Dewar
Sep 12th 2012, 23:42
Controversial for the sake of reaction I suspect. Totally unrealistic view from afar where you are not affected it seems.
Tony Camilleri
Sep 13th 2012, 08:23
1562 illegal immigrants arrived in Malta this year up to now.
How many have you taken to your home Kurt?
When are you going to practice what you preach Kurt?
Joe Xuereb
Sep 12th 2012, 16:56
@ Rachel Roberts (Today, 10:08). Ms. Roberts, you are a good spiritual woman. Please keep it up!
A boatload of Nigerians (not a pleasant country to live in I imagine but which country is?) were saved in Malta with sob stories galore. They claimed they had to leave Libya because Libya did not need black people.
There are racists in Malta as there are ignorant people all over the world. But this people-trafficking business is only a racist matter to those who are so afflicted. The issue is the constant influx extended forever into the future of alien - in every which way - people whose stepping ashore is affecting the morale of the thinking Maltese. Many Maltese, and people like Rachel Roberts, and Edward Caruana Galizia do not see it this way. They don't half fancy themselves as being humane!
Madam Roberts, what beggars belief is your innocence (for which read gullibility).
Charles Cremona
Sep 12th 2012, 10:31
This problem will not get any better soon, libya is a shambles and could soon end up like Eygpt the way things are going there. We are in a catch 22 situation because any government has to abide by international treaties which we have signed. not many countries will accept burden sharing as they have their own problems and could make matters worse as it will turn Malta into a transit destination to Europe. The only alternative is to try and seek some sort of agreement with Libya and repatriate these peaple back there otherwise this small island is going to be turned into a mini Africa.
Colin Stanley
Sep 12th 2012, 10:21
the opposition is as bad as the goverment, no solutions about this problem, who do we vote for?
Rachel Roberts
Sep 12th 2012, 20:43
I reply here because I am unable to post reply below - in answer to your question regarding the reasons they dont flee to another part of their country..have you looked at Africa recently? Most, if not all parts? Even the south is high in crime, persecution, and economic instability. These people make the journey to the EU to better themselves, to make a new life for themselves, which is every persons right on earth. I dont appreciate being branded as 'gullible' or 'naive'...and 'sob stories galore' @ Joe Xuereb...what would you do if YOUR wife, your children, your whole family were being raped, killed...what if you lived in abject poverty with no clean water etc...are you seriously suggesting you would not do everything possible to make a better life for your loved ones? I understand that Malta is 'small'...and yes, we do have to deal with these people as best we can, but thats no excuse to be small minded.
Rachel Roberts
Sep 12th 2012, 10:08
I am disgusted by the attitudes I read on here about 'them' coming to 'our' country etc, and about 'them' taking on water just to get the AFM's attention. Are you so narrow minded and uneducated you don't honestly understand that these people are DESPERATE to escape a life of poverty and persecution, you can NOT tell anyone with a minimal IQ that Somalia is 'safe'. We should all help one another, everyone in the world, and it is disgusting that people think this way. Women and mothers have their babies DIE on these journeys..that's how dangerous it is for them, and that is how utterly hopeless the situation in their 'native' country is. Why don't you go back in time 50 years and live in Mississipi in the 1960'e - your attitudes beggar belief.
James Dewar
Sep 12th 2012, 10:40
The attitude of most Maltese regarding this issue does not bear fair comparison with the Southern states of America in the 60's. The situation is completely different. There are real issues of concern regarding a constant influx of migrants whose history and antecedents are completely unknown to a small island. Yes there are human and welfare issues to be considered but Malta does seem to be bearing a disproportionate burden and solutions must be sought.
W Cassar
Sep 12th 2012, 10:47
Most of these people are economic migrants. Don't be so naive Rachel!
FRANK MERCIECA
Sep 12th 2012, 10:53
I agree Rachel. To embark on a journey like this, these people must be really DESPERATE. I find these people very courageous and brave. Apart from the dangers, they apparantly have to pay for all this. The usual bloggers on this site should hold their heads in shame.
M. Schembri
Sep 12th 2012, 11:35
James Dewar, on "The attitude of most Maltese" you are correct. There is a big difference.
But on the attitude of SOME Maltese, by which I mean some who post comments here, there is no difference from Mississippi in the 1960's. For them black people are just a number and they suggest that if they're going to be killed or tortured or drown - so what? As long as they don't bother us.
Or using the term "unwanted" when they know there are black people who read this newspaper. How can one be more cruel and dehumanizing than that?
Colin Stanley
Sep 12th 2012, 12:15
you are right. but if they are fleeing persecution, why not just go to a safe place in Africa, where everthing is familiar for them,and stop risking their lives, and spending all that money to come here, can you please explain?
James Dewar
Sep 12th 2012, 15:05
@ M Schembri: Yes I chose my words carefully in saying "most" as I am aware that a number of Maltese have racist views and I have frequently witnessed their attitude towards black people. There is a difference between voicing genuine concerns about the potential effect of apparently uncontrolled migration and holding extreme views and prejudices on the grounds of skin colour.
Colin Stanley
Sep 12th 2012, 17:56
R.Roberts. you did not answer my question below. can you please explain.
Austin grech
Sep 12th 2012, 09:20
we should start a petition to stop this unlawful practice of migrants entering freely. government policy should reflect the wishes of the people, not the other way round!.
Charles W. Sammut
Sep 12th 2012, 09:10
All this whinging, and come election time most of you will be voting red or blue for more of the same.
Joe Fenech
Sep 12th 2012, 15:45
SPOT ON !!!!
Michael Bonello
Sep 12th 2012, 08:55
It is just unbelievable as soon as they reach Malta shore’s the boat’s start taking in water, so in 240 miles all is well but in the last 20 miles it starts taking in water what a coincident “wake up Malta” this is a game first from Libya now from Tunis and we are stuck with them ,then if I go abroad illegally I get arrested and send to prison straight away but in Malta “NO “you will be given 3 meals a day and free shelter free medical plus a cell phone to call your remaining family to come to Malta and money in your pocket out of my tax what will they think of next ?
Mr Edward Caruana Galizia
Sep 12th 2012, 09:11
Give me a break. You do get arrested because I have no reason to immigrate illegally. These people do. What would you have preferred? Let them sink and die?
M. Schembri
Sep 12th 2012, 11:42
Wait wait wait - In Malta they DO get sent to prison straight away. Up to 18 months. Even those who had no other option than flee the country and are just doing their legal RIGHT to ask for aslyum. They get imprisoned too.
That's why there's all the controversy over detention. We are imprisoning innocent people and it seems, you don't even know about it.
Charles Grixti
Sep 12th 2012, 15:17
@M. Schembri
How innocent could they be if they pay traffickers to enter illegally in a country? These people just take a calculated risk hoping that they win the refugee lottery.
Ms D. Borg
Sep 12th 2012, 08:32
Where are these illegal immigrants from? I don't think they are now saying Somalia and Eritrea as these have now become safe countries. So what story are they making up now?
B. Storace
Sep 12th 2012, 08:18
Did the boat start taking in water when the occupants spotted the AFM aircraft............something fishy here!!!
Ms D. Borg
Sep 12th 2012, 08:33
Vera b'kumbinazzjoni dejjem meta jaraw l-art jew xi dghajsa jibda jidhol l-ilma.
A. Schembri
Sep 12th 2012, 08:09
to all the people who are gping to comment that we shoudl not be accepting them here, I ask, there are two main political parites ( gov and opposition) who never took a stand on this. And you are going to bother to vote for any of them ? Think again !
Not even a change in power will have an effect on this critical situation as both poarties are not botherd to take the bull by the horns.
Kevin Pace
Sep 12th 2012, 07:56
Ma nistawx nibqghu sejrin hekk kull fejn tmur tara aktar imigranti milli maltin. Jitilqu 10 u hafna ftahir u l ghada jigu 80 , veru pajjiz tal mickeymouse, jien nerga nibghathom lura jew jibqaw detention center ghal dejjem hekk ma jghidux min fej gew. l parlament ma jidiskuti xejn fuaqa din ??
Colin Stanley
Sep 12th 2012, 00:54
tomorrow we are going to have sig. Terzi here . so a lot of smiles ,handshakes, bla bla bla,photos etc. and what will come out of this meeting about illegal immigration, NOTHING. .
carlos ellul
Sep 11th 2012, 23:32
Gonzis policy on this issue is clear. We will keep on accepting and forcing immigrants to stay here (dublin 2) until malta will sink. If u dont like that well dont vote for him.
Jessica Smith
Sep 11th 2012, 23:21
Taking in water just when it is near Malta?
Tell it to the marines boys.
Joe Fenech
Sep 11th 2012, 23:17
Well done Malta
Peter Simpson
Sep 11th 2012, 23:10
This is an absolute disgrace!
Of all the politically correct Europeans, we are the only ones who are being burdened with these immigrants. These people should not cross over in derelict boats; if the Europeans want workers, the whole immigrants system should be taken away from the illegal human traffickers, to be organized in a humane way
We are full up: is it much for GonziPN to tell our friends, neighbors and preachers that enough is enough?
Mauro debattista
Sep 12th 2012, 06:24
You're right, but that is not what our fellow prime minister wants. I hope in the next general election people won't forget.
A. Schembri
Sep 12th 2012, 08:10
@Mauro debattista
Why does the leader of opposition speak openly about it. He has also not taken a stand and won't if he is elected. Wake up mr debattista
Mr Alfred Grima
Sep 11th 2012, 22:42
12 go and 80 come. Well done keep it up.
R Axisa
Sep 12th 2012, 08:00
and the 12 that go, are sometimes even taken to the USA - so much for the EU burden sharing! Some countries are more equal than others in this so called European Union.
N. Agius
Sep 11th 2012, 22:26
We have to get used to counting in eighties it seems!
Please choose the reason of your report below: