Immigration should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s workforce and bolster economic growth, according to Home Affairs minister Carmelo Abela.
“We’re going to be discussing the possibility of creating channels for people to immigrate legally,” Mr Abela said. “The fact is that Europe needs more workers; we need to ask whether immigration can be part of the solution.”
Giving the example of Syrian surgeon Ayman Mostafa, who came to Malta irregularly two years ago and now works at Mater Dei Hospital, Mr Abela said many immigrants had skills that could benefit their host countries.
Speaking at a consultation meeting ahead of this week’s Valletta Summit on Migration, the home affairs minister said migrant countries of origin had to shoulder their responsibilities and ensure that people who did not qualify for protection can be swiftly returned to their home countries.
At the same time, he added, European countries should provide more development aid to stimulate economic growth and address the issues pushing people from their homes.
To that end, Mr Abela said, next week’s summit would focus, among other issues, on setting up an emergency trust fund for Africa totalling nearly €2bn. The fund will finance projects aiming at creating employment opportunities and supporting basic services for local populations.
Mr Abela also announced that the government would be publishing a draft strategy document on migration for public consultation, which will address the country’s response to the plight of asylum seekers in light of several EU directives, including the Reception Services Directive.
The document will seek to improve services at the Marsa Open Centre while facilitating the process for those who do not qualify for protection to be repatriated.
The minister also spoke of a drive to strengthen human resources within the disciplinary corps. He noted that by the end of the year some 500 new members would have joined, while around €800,000 has been invested in overseas training.
Moreover, the government is evaluating the possibility of an insurance policy for members of the forces and allowing members of the Civil Protection Department to be eligible for the Gieħ ir-Repubblika award for long and distinguished service.