The government is pledging to introduce “alternatives to detention” by July in what appears to be a shift in official policy on immigration.

The pledge was made by new Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela yesterday when replying to questions by Times of Malta. He also said that today he would be restarting the dialogue with human rights NGOs (which had been halted by his predecessor). 

The Prime Minister on Sunday promised a review of the “failed” detention policy.

The minister said the authorities were assessing their options about the detention policy, taking into account European Court of Human Rights judgments and EU legislation.

“At the same time, the review has to keep in mind the realities of the situation in Malta. The government is still in favour of a detention policy with improved conditions.”

NGOs have been calling for better living conditions, especially in the Safi detention centre, access for a speedy judicial remedy for detainees to challenge the lawfulness of their detention and alternatives to detention. 

More on The Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.

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