Malta's detention centres are coping "quite well" considering that 1,100 migrants arrived in a span of three weeks, according to Detention Services Commander Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gatt.

Speaking to timesofmalta.com, Lt. Col. Gatt said some 82 "vulnerable" migrants, mostly families, were released from detention yesterday and placed into the open centres. Another large group will be released on Thursday.

He said the migrants were grateful for the good treatment they were receiving. The NGOs, he said, are also playing their part and pleased with the service being given.

"All in all I think we've improved and hopefully we can sustain the amount of support and relatively good conditions in detention."

He said he agreed with Malta's policy to detain migrants until their requests for asylum were processed.

"The fact that we are releasing vulnerable people before their claim is processed is another feather in our cap," he added.

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