It was a bit of an exaggeration, by those two Somali women, when they compared themselves at the detention centre to caged animals, at a meeting with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca last week.

Once they got here irregularly they must face the law.

Detention is not easy but they must not expect to be given freedom on a silver plate either.

The Emigrants’ Commission does not deal with one or two people only but with frequent boatloads. So let’s hope the situation changes and the quota system comes into effect. In the meantime, while their case is processed, patience and using up their time is the only thing they can do.