A new open centre specifically built to cater for all the needs of asylum seekers is Malta’s main long-term objective for the next phase of EU migration funding.
The facility will increase Malta’s open reception capacity by 400 places, bringing the total to 2,400. A report by the Ministry for European Affairs said the quality of reception conditions will improve, with separate accommodation for minors and other vulnerable groups.
The need to treat asylum seekers with highly infectious diseases will be met through the part financing of a specialised unit within the general hospital, the report says.
Malta will benefit from €92 million under two EU funds for projects in the fields of migration and national security during the 2014-2020 period, as well as possible additional funding through the EU’s emergency mechanisms.
According to the report, detailing the programming of the two funds for the coming years, integration remains a key priority, with the setting up of a dedicated Integration Unit within the Civil Liberties Ministry.
The new unit, announced in the Budget, is tasked with devising a strategy on integration, including a focus on vulnerable groups, with language classes and cultural orientation training among the measures considered.
The report says integration will be treated as a two-way process, including adaptation on the part of migrants but also by the Maltese population, with information campaigns for the public in this regard.
EU assistance will also be used to promote and finance the voluntary or forced return of migrants who do not qualify for protection.
Also planned are projects related to the implementation of the common visa policy, new equipment for border management, combating crime and protecting critical infrastructure.
Addressing a European conference yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds Ian Borg said Malta’s priorities on migration remained primarily saving lives at sea and offering shelter to those fleeing from war. Prevention, through tackling people smuggling and helping countries of origin enhance their capacity for border management, was also crucial, he said.
Dr Borg called for greater cooperation with third countries on return and readmission agreements, and for an overhaul of the Dublin regulation to ensure a fair distribution of asylum responsibility throughout the EU.