It is no secret that the majority of Maltese see relocation as the only solution to irregular immigration. The ‘not in my back yard’ attitude evidently transcends the construction industry where many migrants are exploited.
Integration remains a dirty word in a country which seemingly prefers to welcome foreigners wearing tourist hats rather than human beings who need help.
But irregular immigration is a reality and will remain a huge challenge for a small and densely populated country like Malta for the foreseeable future.
The island cannot deal with the problem of fleeing African migrants alone. The obvious partner to deal with this issue is the EU. After all, solidarity is a fundamental principle of the 27-nation bloc.
It was therefore very disappointing to learn that the European Commission would not be delivering on its promise for a permanent scheme on immigration burden sharing because of lack of interest from member states.
European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said the Commission would not deliver on its 2011 promise to propose a permanent, voluntary scheme, and complained it was a non-starter.
Following an influx of irregular migrants into Malta some years ago and intense pressure by the previous government for concrete solidarity, the Commission had launched a pilot project specifically designed for member states to relocate asylum seekers from Malta.
Few member states showed any interest and less than 300 migrants were relocated.
Ms Malmström said Brussels would now propose an annual forum to discuss transfers of refugees among EU countries, which means a return to the drawing board.
Many would argue the proposal was a non-starter – immigration has never won any government popularity. On the contrary, the rise of far-right parties in the past decade is clear testament to populist approaches to dealing with the problem.
Even Malta’s Labour Party spoke tough on immigration when in opposition, with statements very much out of tune with the social solidarity aspect a socialist party should express.
The problem with the European Commission is its inconsistency. Does the Commission ditch its strict financial deficit rules because the majority of countries are protesting? No. Would the Commission have annulled its promise on migrant relocation if the initiative was steered by countries like Germany and France? Hardly.
It is high time European governments ditch their populist sentiments and get used to the idea that irregular migration is here to stay. Short of introducing strict border controls and re-erecting the walls the EU helped to demolish, then there is no choice but to put solidarity into practice.
Most countries need help. Russians and Ukrainians are moving in throngs to eastern European countries. Italy and Malta are receiving desperate Africans, Greece and Cyprus get thousands of Middle Eastern migrants, many non-Europeans would do their utmost to reach northern Europe where social services are rather generous; everyone still sees Britain as the multi-cultural dreamland.
The new Maltese Government has a tough task ahead. It should first realise that domestic tough talk could lead to social unrest and instead should build a strong case with the EU about Malta’s problem. And that should not just deal with Africans. There are an untold number of non-EU eastern Europeans living in our midst. Meanwhile, it should take a good look at its detention system.
The Government should also look south and get to the root of the problem. Libya is still not a signatory to the UN convention for refugees, despite the demise of Muammar Gaddafi. We must lobby the EU to help Libya and other African states build a proper structure to help refugees inside Africa – before they take their risky boat ride.