Migration issue discussed with Dutch minister
Justice Minister Chris Said held a meeting this afternoon with Dutch Immigration Minister Gerd Leers on ways to broaden EU solidarity for the relocation of asylum seekers.
Dr Said was accompanied by Beppe Fenech Adami, parliamentary assistant in the Home Affairs Ministry, while Mr Leers was flanked by Dutch Ambassador Robert Gabriëlse.
The Netherlands took 20 asylum seekers from Malta last June and is likely to accept more.
Dr Said thanked Mr Leers for Dutch solidarity, saying it was a "good step in the right direction" but he insisted that greater commitment was needed.
"It is time to move from voluntary relocation to a more permanent scheme," the minister said.
Mr Leers said that he was "convinced" of the need for solidarity with EU border states on this issue, adding that he could understand the pressure faced by Malta "very well".
The meeting continued behind closed doors.
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Louise Vella
Oct 30th 2012, 08:33
If fewer illegal immigrants come, the Maltese government's task will be easier.
Kurt Waschnig
Oct 30th 2012, 07:48
Everything must be done to integrate migrants into Maltese society. Languages courses in English and Maltese and jobs must them offered .
Migrants are weak and poor and therefore the Church should do more for them. They risked their life to escape unbearable conditions in their countries.
Louise Vella
Oct 30th 2012, 06:43
We should not accept endless illegal immigrants and then beg others to take them off our back. We should stop them from coming.
John Azzopoardi
Oct 29th 2012, 18:24
same story over and over again in the past 10 years and only the US has taken 1000 of these migrants and we are stuck with 16000 still on our homeland.
Please choose the reason of your report below: