There were smiles all round at Luqa International Airport yesterday as 152 migrants prepared to embark on a new life in Germany.
People have been so friendly here but I’m very excited about going to Germany
The migrants, who had all arrived in Malta earlier this year after fleeing the Libyan war, came from Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan and had all had their asylum applications accepted.
Husbands, wives and children jostled for a place near the crowded departure gate, all eager to reach Nuremberg. From there, German authorities would allocate them to different parts of the country.
“Thank you Malta, thank you Mr Refugee Commissioner, thank you Germany,” beamed one Somali refugee, his three-year-old son in tow. “People have been so friendly here, but I’m very excited about going to Germany”.
A couple of Somalis asked to have their picture taken with Justice Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, German Ambassador Hubert Ziegler and International Organisation for Migration Chief of Mission José Angel Oropeza.
The three dignitaries, who were there to see the migrants off, were happy to oblige.
“We’re thankful to Germany for the solidarity it has shown Malta in accepting to receive these 152 people,” Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.
He added that the transfer was evidence that Malta’s lobbying with other EU states throughout the spring had borne fruit.
Dr Ziegler was visibly delighted to be surrounded by so much goodwill and encouraged the migrants to approach their integration into German society with similar enthusiasm. He wished them the best of luck.
“It’s raining today, and having lived in Africa I know that over there rain is a symbol of good luck. Good luck with your lives and be as happy and optimistic as you are today.” The Ambassador also expressed his gratitude to the local German community for having generously donated various winter clothes for the migrants to wear in the cold German winter.
Each of the migrants will be receiving intensive language and cultural orientation courses in Germany, to better assist them to integrate within their new communities.
Over 13 European countries have agreed to receive refugees from Malta, although Germany has been the most willing to relocate people.
It has already accepted 133 people since 2006. Yesterday’s group more than doubles that number, to over 300.
The relocation was coordinated by the IOM, and various IOM staff members were on hand to assist with the migrants’ departure.
Nestled among the excited grins were a few heartfelt tears, as individuals who had worked with the migrants over the past months bade them farewell.
“On the one hand, it’s really upsetting to see them leave,” said Red Cross humanitarian officer Sarah Mallia, “but on the other hand I’m happy for them and share their excitement. I’m sure they have bright futures ahead of them.”