What do you think of the current migration situation in Malta?
Malta has not been receiving many Syrian migrants compared to other EU countries but it still has a high number of migrants for its population. Detention centre measures are increasing the divide between migrants and Maltese, leading to further social unrest and racism.
Emma Farrugia, 1st year LL.D
Malta lacks the assets required to deal with the increase in irregular immigration. It cannot provide proper housing and welfare for this influx in migrants. It also cannot effectively control its large search and rescue area.
Krešimir Hegeduš, 2nd year BA in International Relations
Migration has been with us for centuries but civil wars and social injustices have caused more people to migrate in the recent years. It is time for the EU to take the issue seriously and come up with feasible and responsible solutions.
Sara Ezabe, 2nd year LL.B
Will the migration summit provide solutions to the problem?
The summit brings more hope than expectation. It is a long overdue step in the right direction. I hope EU and African leaders tackle the root of the problem causing migrants to flee their country.
Emma Farrugia
It is wrong to expect a solution to the problem from just this summit. What we should hope for is the creation of an environment that allows the two continents to work together on a common issue.
Krešimir Hegeduš
Hopefully, it will generate political thinking and effective dialogue between states. This is a journey and process. If there is a collective effort between states, solutions will be possible.
Sara Ezabe
The UNHCR estimated that less than 30 per cent of migrants who arrived in Malta since 2002 remained here. So what is causing the media sensationalism that depicts Malta as overflowing with migrants?
Most migrants do not intend coming to Malta, so it is not surprising so many choose to leave. The media seems to depict Malta as overflowing with migrants because it does not follow up on their flow.
Emma Farrugia
Malta has one of the highest rates per capita refugee acceptance in the world. The Maltese public does not have social ‘know how’ of how to deal with the increasing migrants and so everything is exacerbated.
Krešimir Hegeduš
The media is not reporting accurately on migration. Politicians and the media should both say how many migrants are in Malta.
Sara Ezabe
(Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation)