Justice Minister Chris Said has called upon fellow EU member states and the European Commission to show solidarity with Malta, in light of the recent influx of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from Libyan shores.

Speaking at the Justice and Home Affairs Council yesterday, Dr Said emphasised that out of the 832 people who had already reached Malta by sea this year, 712 arrived in the past five weeks.

“This is only the beginning of the calm-sea period in the central Mediterranean. The numbers are expected to continue to increase,” he said.

He pointed out the numbers were extremely large for Malta, given the impact they have on the island. A proportional equivalent for Germany and The Netherlands, when considering their territory and GDP, would be to receive 440,000 and 65,000 migrants respectively.

For this reason, Dr Said called on member states to assist with the relocation of beneficiaries of international protection in the immediate term, and in the medium term, for the Commission to review the so-called Dublin regulations.

He also called on the Commission to review the Temporary Protection Directive that has proved ineffective in light of the realities on the ground.

The minister also insisted that the EU engage with Libya, adding that it was now time to assist the Libyan authorities to develop their border management capacities. Malta also called for the Dialogue on Migration, Mobility and Security with Libya to be launched as soon as possible.

During the debate, Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said the Commission understood Malta’s concerns and its vulnerability due to its geographic position and the Commission was ready to provide assistance.

She called on member states to give more help on relocation and pledged the Commission would work harder to help Maltese authorities draw up a package of assistance, which could include more financing and increased support from EU agencies.