The AFM and various government agencies this morning demonstrated their use of EU funds in a migrants rescue exercise held some miles off Malta.

The exercise simulated the search ad rescue of a number of migrants stranded on a small boat.

The AFM took centre stage, having benefited from the bulk of €87 million given to Malta since 2007 under the SOLID Funds (General Programme of Solidarity  and Management of Migration Flows)

The AFM used the funds to buy two King Air aircraft equipped with border control equipment, as well as four Austal patrol boats built to Maltese specifications in Australia. It also used the funds to refurbish and improve two rescue launches and to improve its rescue control centre.

Most of the equipment and facilities were deployed in this morning's exercise, the 'migrants' boat' having been located by a fixed wing aircraft before the rescue took place, using a helicopter, patrol and rescue craft. 

Malta has also received funds from the Refugee Fund and the Return Fund. The money is being used for the maintenance of migrant centres and for repatriation.

Some 300 migrants have been repatriated this year so far - apart from those who were relocated to the US or other European countries. Funds have also been used to assist in the integration of migrants. 

Those who watched this morning's exercise included Parliamentary Assistant Beppe Fenech Adami and senior AFM officers.

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