The recent news about the imminent deportation of migrants from Mali and Ethiopia who have been in Malta for many years is very disturbing. More disturbing is the news that by October next year no migrants will be offered temporary humanitarian protection. This means that many others will be deported. I hope that this is not the result of the appointment of the new commissioner for refugees.

It is definitely the policy of a cruel and heartless government, which months before the general election is again flagging the irregular migration problem. Certainly our government is neither Socialist, nor liberal and progressive. This policy is clearly Far Right.

The Labour Party wants to once again get the votes of the extreme right wingers and the racist patriotic section of the electorate. I’ve written to Minister Abela and also to the President of the Republic showing my concern. Needless to say that both didn’t even reply. Why bother?

I wonder where does Minister Helena Dalli stand on this issue, because it seems that under this government you need to have a different sexual orientation to receive some sympathy. Otherwise, especially if you are black and do not have a vote you are doomed.

Also, I am astonished at the deafening silence of the Opposition. It is a shame that out of fear of losing votes, the Opposition does not even have a stand on this issue.

In previous years, the Nationalist Party was consistent in the protection of human rights. Now these migrants are being deported to a life of misery and abject poverty and possible persecution, and apart from pressure groups, the only politician who has voiced her concern is Marlene Farrugia.

This is very unfair since Malta has kept these migrants here for years, collected their taxes and social contribution and after so many years living in a hope for a better life, we are now condemning them forever.

If anything, they should have been sent back as soon as they arrived. Once they have been here for ages, worked here, paid their taxes, made Malta their home and integrated in our society, they should be treated with dignity. Deportation of the destitute victims is not the solution for the irregular migration problem.