[attach id=264525 size="medium"]The number of arrivals so far this year is lower than the 1,000 who came in the first half of 2012. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi[/attach]
An estimated 600 migrants and asylum seekers landed in Malta in the first half of this year, according to the UN refugee office.
Despite tough talk by the Prime Minister on migration this week, the number of arrivals so far this year is lower than the 1,000 who came in the first half of 2012.
The opposite happened in Italy, where 7,800 arrived in the first six months compared to 3,500 in the first half of 2012.
Those making the journey to Malta and Italy this year mostly departed from North Africa, primarily Libya (about 6,700 people). The remaining 1,700 crossed from Greece and Turkey, landing in southern Italy’s Apulia and Calabria regions.
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are the main places of origin of the migrants and asylum seekers, particularly Somalia and Eritrea.
Other countries of origin include Egypt, Pakistan and Syria. Nationals of Gambia, Mali and Afghanistan also make the crossings but in smaller numbers.
The Mediterranean is one of the busiest seaways in the world, as well as a dangerous sea frontier for migrants and asylum seekers en route to southern Europe.
In view of the perils, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees yesterday reiterated its call for all vessels at sea to be on alert for migrants and refugees in need of rescue.
It also renewed its call to all shipmasters in the Mediterranean to remain vigilant and to carry out their duty to rescue vessels in distress.
International and European law requires nations to ensure that those intercepted or rescued at sea who seek asylum are given access to territory and to an asylum procedure where their international protection needs or claims can be examined.
The peak crossing period for migrants and asylum seekers runs from May to September, UNHCR said.
“At this time of year it is essential to ensure that the long-established tradition of rescue at sea is upheld by all and that international maritime law is adhered to,” the refugee office added.
UNHCR has recorded about 40 deaths in the first six months of 2013 by people attempting to cross the Mediterranean between North Africa and Italy. This number is based on interviews with people who reached Europe using boats.
In 2012, almost 500 people were reported dead or missing at sea. The decrease in deaths so far this year was thanks in part to the efforts of the Italian and Maltese authorities, in particular the Italian coastguard and the Maltese armed forces, in effectively coordinating rescue at sea, UNHCR said.