I have just returned from my latest holiday in Malta, having now made 30 visits. I have just read last Saturday's article in The Times about the immigration numbers for 2009.

Now, as a non-resident, it seems I must be careful about what I say, so I make no comment on a political level. I wish to address this from a tourist's point of view.

I am sad that Malta is seeing such an influx, despite some Maltese who believe they should be welcomed. I believe much thought must go into this situation.

It seems that as a member of the EU, Malta has little choice other than to accept them.

However, this small island, from this tourist's point of view, is being changed forever by this situation.

Before they chastise me, readers must remember that I come from a country with a very high proportion of immigrants, both legal and illegal. I am not allowed to voice my view in the UK, so will not do so here.

My last visit to Malta has surprised and worried me. I passed close to the Playmobil factory where the immigrants are encamped. As the article stated, most are men, many have no jobs so they spend time with each other. In the UK we may call this "gangs". On passing them in a car there was much waving, shouting and gesturing from a large group who were sitting around with little or nothing to do. It has to be said that I felt very intimidated and exited the area with all haste.

At many roadsides in Malta there are groups of these immigrants (with bags of work clothes hidden in the gutter or behind cars) looking for work. It seems that the authorities do little to investigate this situation. I wonder if it is legal.

With this in my mind I wonder about the future of Malta, bearing in mind some of the other comments in the article. I have to ask myself if I still wish to come as Malta increasingly begins to look like many parts of the UK.

I know the "do-gooders" will tell me to stay away but there are also many wonderful Maltese who will want me to continue to visit along with many of my country folk.

It has been said in this paper and among people I know in Malta, that the situation is most worrying due to the size and uniqueness of this island.

As a tourist, I see little happening to stem the flow but I see that Malta's "hands" may be tied by the EU and that is sad.

I hope that this issue can be resolved before the problem becomes insurmountable. I wish this island paradise much luck in this matter.