The politics
They get away from their country and try to gatecrash another one, hoping for a better life. In the process, they cause a lot of headaches to the authorities of the receiving countries.
Illegal immigration may seem a solution to the immigrants who want a better life in a wealthy country but it’s a problem for government who have to allocate resources, both human and material, to take in care these uninvited guests.
For a small country like Malta, it’s becoming a financial problem costing millions from the already depleted public coffers. Money is always a hot electoral issue.
In mid-July 2006 Malta hit international headlines when it refused to grant 51 illegal immigrants stranded on Spanish trawler permission to land in Malta. The group of Eritrean illegal immigrants was rescued by the vessel, Francisco-y-Catalina, in Libyan territorial waters. Although illegal immigrants who required medical treatment were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, the majority of the illegal immigrants spent seven days stranded between sky and sea, awaiting Spanish, Italian, Libyan and Maltese officials to strike a deal for their repatriation.
Although Malta’s stance of refuting the illegal immigrants aboard the Francisco-y-Catalina entry to Malta was praised British online magazine The First Post, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) blasted the decision.
The Maltese government has repeatedly called on the European Union to offer Malta more support vis-à-vis the illegal immigration issue. Joint sea operations coordinated by FRONTEX to tackle migration flows to Malta have taken place, while some states have pledged their support for the small Mediterranean island.
While, Malta has been repatriating illegal immigrants reaching the island without sufficient reasons to be granted refugee or humanitarian status, some of those granted such a status have been resettled in Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Germany as well as the United States of America.
In turn, concern about the illegal immigration situation in Malta has been expressed in face of a string of protests illegal immigrants held inside and outside of detention centres.
On the international scene, Malta is part of the European Union and expects more support from the other 24 member states. Support from the Union Nations and other international agencies is also due for a country acting as a natural bridge between Southern Europe and North Africa.
Malta, Libya discuss maritime SAR cooperation
Aug 23, 2007, 16:46 CET
Talks with Libya on illegal immigration "positive"
Aug 22, 2007, 18:12 CET
AD launches position paper on immigration
Jul 22, 2007, 16:53 CET
Malta, Libya to further migration cooperation
Jul 14, 2007 - 10:39 CET
MEP calls for policies to stem migrant flows
Jul 11, 2007, 14:13 CET
Mario Friggieri appointed new Refugee Commissioner
Jun 30, 2007, 10:32 CET
MLP backs government's illegal immigration stance
Jun 8, 2007, 17:12 CET
Malta wants “burden sharing" in illegal immigration
Jun 7, 2007, 10:51 CET
Illegal immigrants Libya's responsibility
May 28, 2007, 8:22 CET
European Border Patrols Network launched
May 24, 2007, 15:30 CET
More patrols to take place in Maltese waters
May 20, 2007, 9:50 CET
200 refugees to be resettled in the US
May 11, 2007, 15:19 CET
MEP welcomes EU rapid border intervention
Apr 26, 2007, 10:55 CET
EU ministers back rapid border force
Apr 21, 2007, 11:28 CET
EU states step up patrol technical support
Apr 19, 2007, 9:01 CET
UK Deputy PM, Justice Minister discuss migration
Apr 12, 2007, 18:10 CET
Malta proposes to join Greece in patrols
Apr 2, 2007, 11:22 CET
Illegal immigration problems set to escalate
Mar 28, 2007, 10:41 CET
Denmark to aid Malta illegal immigration problem
Mar 20, 2007, 9:14 CET
MEP calls for more solidarity in burden sharing
Mar 1, 2007, 13:35 CET
Cooperation visits on asylum, immigration affairs
Feb 22, 2007, 19:30 CET
Office to help Malta with migrants' repatriation
Dec 18, 2006, 20:27 CET
Six asylum seekers to be resettled in Lithuania
Dec 4, 2006, 15:57 CET
Malta fails to provide data for racism report
Nov 29, 2006, 09:06 CET
Foreign Minister urges for repatriation agreement
Nov 19, 2006, 19:20 CET
Foreign Minister proposes EU-Arab summit in Malta
Nov 19, 2006, 09:53 CET
FRONTEX deems sea patrols successful
Nov 11, 2006, 11:04 CET
1,415 illegal immigrants reside in Open Centers
Nov 2, 2006, 11:15 CET
Malta hosts EU-African Union preparatory meeting
Oct 28, 2006, 10:44 CET
Amendment for illegal immigration agency approved
Oct 4, 2006, 19:14 CET
Frontex border patrols to commence this week
Oct 3, 2006, 10:37 CET
EU travel document for repatriation proposed by Foreign Minister
Sep 30, 2006, 11:03 CET
MEP suggests illegal immigration congress in Malta
Sep 27, 2006, 17:32 CET
Foreign Minister asks for UN aid with migrants
Sep 26, 2006, 19:35 CET
PM writes to Commission about illegal immigration
Sep 25, 2006, 18:49 CET
Malta to receive funds for migration problems
Sep 19, 2006, 17:28 CET
MLP questions Malta's involvement in sea patrols
Sep 14, 2006, 18:56 CET
21 illegal immigrants brought ashore at Haywharf
Sep 13, 2006, 18:25 CET
Meeting delayed after Libya's offer on sea patrols
Sep 4, 2006, 10:06 CET
Plan for joint sea patrols laid down
Aug 30, 2006, 10:58 CET
Malta’s illegal immigration stance praised
Aug 8, 2006, 09:59 CET
70 Moroccans who entered Malta in June repatriated
Aug 6, 2006, 09:34 CET
MLP speaker urges for Frontex patrols
Aug 3, 2006, 14:04 CET
Justice Commissioner suggests joint patrolling
Jul 30, 2006, 11:20 CET
Gonzi and Prodi discuss illegal immigration
Jul 25, 2006, 15:30 CET
No dates for Malta illegal immigration patrols
Jul 25, 2006, 11:02 CET
Detention centres need money - Minister Borg
Jul 24, 2006, 16:10 CET
Illegal immigrants leave Malta
Jul 21, 2006, 18:25 CET
Spain to take in illegal immigrants
Jul 20, 2006, 09:57 CET
Illegal immigrants in Malta for treatment
Jul 19, 2006, 10:23 CET
Foreign Minister urges for joint patrolling
Jul 17, 2006, 20:13 CET
Illegal immigrants disembark in Marsaxlokk
Jul 16, 2006, 10:04 CET
EU Commissioner pledges support for Malta
Jul 12, 2006, 09:02 CET
Minister urges for illegal immigration solution
Jul 11, 2006, 10:54 CET
Minister Frendo insists on illegal immigration aid
Jul 4, 2006, 13:27 CET
EU lacks commitment for illegal immigration problem - Minister Frendo
Jun 30, 2006, 19:49 CET
Malta and Latvia to cooperate more closely in the EU
Jun 21, 2006, 08:27 CET
Malta insists on EU aid in illegal immigration crisis
Jun 14, 2006, 10:49 CET
More detention officers needed for illegal immigrants
May 12, 2006, 09:03 CET
President says many Maltese have racist element
Apr 22, 2006, 11:10 CET
President Fenech Adami addresses the European Parliament
Apr 5, 2006, 12:42 CET
Cooperation agreement between Malta and Croatia
Mar 7, 2006, 09:30 CET
Malta’s Foreign Policy strategic plan launched
Feb 8, 2006, 17:45 CET
Malta wants better EU policing against illegal immigration
Feb 3, 2006, 09:25 CET
Spanish Minister discusses immigration in Malta
Jan 25, 2006, 09:00 CET
Malta and Libya discuss renewal of 1984 agreement
Jan 22, 2006, 12:53 CET
Five-point action plan for irregular migration presented
Dec 11, 2005, 10:01 CET
Malta raises illegal immigration at OSCE
Dec 6, 2005, 18:40 CET
Malta submits proposal to safeguard sea resources
Nov 28, 2005, 17:00 CET
EU funds sought for repatriation expenses
Nov 1, 2005, 16:05 CET
Malta, Italy declare joint cooperation to fight illegal immigration
Oct 27, 2005, 19:56 CET
Malta, UK agree on closer cooperation to tackle illegal immigration
Oct 25, 2005, 11:45 CET
MLP discusses illegal immigration in Libya
Oct 18, 2005, 10:25 CET
MEPs discuss illegal immigration
Oct 13, 2005, 11:18 CET
Church encourages Maltese to be generous with refugees
Oct 14, 2005, 17:00 CET
“Malta no longer to be threatened by human traffickers”-Minister Frendo
Oct 12, 2005, 14:36 CET
Emigrants Commission questions amendments to Refugees Act
Oct 9, 2005, 09:43 CET
Malta presents requests to deal with illegal immigration
Oct 3, 2005, 10:30 CET
Foreign Minister appeals not to allow refugee rights to be undermined
Sep 22, 2005, 17:39 CET
"National interest should prevail over international obligations"-Dr Sant
Sep 19, 2005, 10:18 CET
Government to analyse EU proposals on illegal immigration
Sep 3, 2005, 09:10 CET
Government to introduce new measures on repatriation of illegal immigrants
Aug 23, 2005, 10:30 CET
Government publishes European Council report on detention centres
Aug 16, 2005, 17:45 CET
Malta considering suspension of International obligations
Aug 10, 2005, 10:46 CET
Foreign Minister insists Malta will not let illegal immigration issue go
Aug 6, 2005, 12:41 CET
Libya-EU dialogue regarding irregular immigration held in Malta
Jul 20, 2005, 16:44 CET
Government to implement an emergency plan for irregular immigrants’ arrival
Jun 17, 2005, 15:00 CET
Journalists insist on being granted access to detention centres
Mar 12, 2005, 15:10 CET
MP concerned about immigrants' treatment
Feb 3, 2005, 09:00 CET
Government to improve immigrants detention centres
Jan 29, 2005, 12:03 CET
MP proposes solution for immigration problem
Jan 18, 2005, 23:00 CET
Government publishes new immigration policy
Jan 8, 2005, 12:30 CET
National conference on illegal immigration to be held in February
Dec 29, 2004, 18:00 CET
Talks for women marrying non-Maltese men
Sep 19, 2004, 10:17 CET
They get away from their country and try to gatecrash another one, hoping for a better life. In the process, they cause a lot of headaches to the authorities of the receiving countries.Illegal immigration may seem a solution to the immigrants who want a better life in a wealthy country but it’s a problem for government who have to allocate resources, both human and material, to take in care these uninvited guests.
For a small country like Malta, it’s becoming a financial problem costing millions from the already depleted public coffers. Money is always a hot electoral issue.
In mid-July 2006 Malta hit international headlines when it refused to grant 51 illegal immigrants stranded on Spanish trawler permission to land in Malta. The group of Eritrean illegal immigrants was rescued by the vessel, Francisco-y-Catalina, in Libyan territorial waters. Although illegal immigrants who required medical treatment were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, the majority of the illegal immigrants spent seven days stranded between sky and sea, awaiting Spanish, Italian, Libyan and Maltese officials to strike a deal for their repatriation.
Although Malta’s stance of refuting the illegal immigrants aboard the Francisco-y-Catalina entry to Malta was praised British online magazine The First Post, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) blasted the decision.
The Maltese government has repeatedly called on the European Union to offer Malta more support vis-à-vis the illegal immigration issue. Joint sea operations coordinated by FRONTEX to tackle migration flows to Malta have taken place, while some states have pledged their support for the small Mediterranean island.
While, Malta has been repatriating illegal immigrants reaching the island without sufficient reasons to be granted refugee or humanitarian status, some of those granted such a status have been resettled in Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Germany as well as the United States of America.
In turn, concern about the illegal immigration situation in Malta has been expressed in face of a string of protests illegal immigrants held inside and outside of detention centres.
On the international scene, Malta is part of the European Union and expects more support from the other 24 member states. Support from the Union Nations and other international agencies is also due for a country acting as a natural bridge between Southern Europe and North Africa.
Malta, Libya discuss maritime SAR cooperation
Aug 23, 2007, 16:46 CET
Talks with Libya on illegal immigration "positive"
Aug 22, 2007, 18:12 CET
AD launches position paper on immigration
Jul 22, 2007, 16:53 CET
Malta, Libya to further migration cooperation
Jul 14, 2007 - 10:39 CET
MEP calls for policies to stem migrant flows
Jul 11, 2007, 14:13 CET
Mario Friggieri appointed new Refugee Commissioner
Jun 30, 2007, 10:32 CET
MLP backs government's illegal immigration stance
Jun 8, 2007, 17:12 CET
Malta wants “burden sharing" in illegal immigration
Jun 7, 2007, 10:51 CET
Illegal immigrants Libya's responsibility
May 28, 2007, 8:22 CET
European Border Patrols Network launched
May 24, 2007, 15:30 CET
More patrols to take place in Maltese waters
May 20, 2007, 9:50 CET
200 refugees to be resettled in the US
May 11, 2007, 15:19 CET
MEP welcomes EU rapid border intervention
Apr 26, 2007, 10:55 CET
EU ministers back rapid border force
Apr 21, 2007, 11:28 CET
EU states step up patrol technical support
Apr 19, 2007, 9:01 CET
UK Deputy PM, Justice Minister discuss migration
Apr 12, 2007, 18:10 CET
Malta proposes to join Greece in patrols
Apr 2, 2007, 11:22 CET
Illegal immigration problems set to escalate
Mar 28, 2007, 10:41 CET
Denmark to aid Malta illegal immigration problem
Mar 20, 2007, 9:14 CET
MEP calls for more solidarity in burden sharing
Mar 1, 2007, 13:35 CET
Cooperation visits on asylum, immigration affairs
Feb 22, 2007, 19:30 CET
Office to help Malta with migrants' repatriation
Dec 18, 2006, 20:27 CET
Six asylum seekers to be resettled in Lithuania
Dec 4, 2006, 15:57 CET
Malta fails to provide data for racism report
Nov 29, 2006, 09:06 CET
Foreign Minister urges for repatriation agreement
Nov 19, 2006, 19:20 CET
Foreign Minister proposes EU-Arab summit in Malta
Nov 19, 2006, 09:53 CET
FRONTEX deems sea patrols successful
Nov 11, 2006, 11:04 CET
1,415 illegal immigrants reside in Open Centers
Nov 2, 2006, 11:15 CET
Malta hosts EU-African Union preparatory meeting
Oct 28, 2006, 10:44 CET
Amendment for illegal immigration agency approved
Oct 4, 2006, 19:14 CET
Frontex border patrols to commence this week
Oct 3, 2006, 10:37 CET
EU travel document for repatriation proposed by Foreign Minister
Sep 30, 2006, 11:03 CET
MEP suggests illegal immigration congress in Malta
Sep 27, 2006, 17:32 CET
Foreign Minister asks for UN aid with migrants
Sep 26, 2006, 19:35 CET
PM writes to Commission about illegal immigration
Sep 25, 2006, 18:49 CET
Malta to receive funds for migration problems
Sep 19, 2006, 17:28 CET
MLP questions Malta's involvement in sea patrols
Sep 14, 2006, 18:56 CET
21 illegal immigrants brought ashore at Haywharf
Sep 13, 2006, 18:25 CET
Meeting delayed after Libya's offer on sea patrols
Sep 4, 2006, 10:06 CET
Plan for joint sea patrols laid down
Aug 30, 2006, 10:58 CET
Malta’s illegal immigration stance praised
Aug 8, 2006, 09:59 CET
70 Moroccans who entered Malta in June repatriated
Aug 6, 2006, 09:34 CET
MLP speaker urges for Frontex patrols
Aug 3, 2006, 14:04 CET
Justice Commissioner suggests joint patrolling
Jul 30, 2006, 11:20 CET
Gonzi and Prodi discuss illegal immigration
Jul 25, 2006, 15:30 CET
No dates for Malta illegal immigration patrols
Jul 25, 2006, 11:02 CET
Detention centres need money - Minister Borg
Jul 24, 2006, 16:10 CET
Illegal immigrants leave Malta
Jul 21, 2006, 18:25 CET
Spain to take in illegal immigrants
Jul 20, 2006, 09:57 CET
Illegal immigrants in Malta for treatment
Jul 19, 2006, 10:23 CET
Foreign Minister urges for joint patrolling
Jul 17, 2006, 20:13 CET
Illegal immigrants disembark in Marsaxlokk
Jul 16, 2006, 10:04 CET
EU Commissioner pledges support for Malta
Jul 12, 2006, 09:02 CET
Minister urges for illegal immigration solution
Jul 11, 2006, 10:54 CET
Minister Frendo insists on illegal immigration aid
Jul 4, 2006, 13:27 CET
EU lacks commitment for illegal immigration problem - Minister Frendo
Jun 30, 2006, 19:49 CET
Malta and Latvia to cooperate more closely in the EU
Jun 21, 2006, 08:27 CET
Malta insists on EU aid in illegal immigration crisis
Jun 14, 2006, 10:49 CET
More detention officers needed for illegal immigrants
May 12, 2006, 09:03 CET
President says many Maltese have racist element
Apr 22, 2006, 11:10 CET
President Fenech Adami addresses the European Parliament
Apr 5, 2006, 12:42 CET
Cooperation agreement between Malta and Croatia
Mar 7, 2006, 09:30 CET
Malta’s Foreign Policy strategic plan launched
Feb 8, 2006, 17:45 CET
Malta wants better EU policing against illegal immigration
Feb 3, 2006, 09:25 CET
Spanish Minister discusses immigration in Malta
Jan 25, 2006, 09:00 CET
Malta and Libya discuss renewal of 1984 agreement
Jan 22, 2006, 12:53 CET
Five-point action plan for irregular migration presented
Dec 11, 2005, 10:01 CET
Malta raises illegal immigration at OSCE
Dec 6, 2005, 18:40 CET
Malta submits proposal to safeguard sea resources
Nov 28, 2005, 17:00 CET
EU funds sought for repatriation expenses
Nov 1, 2005, 16:05 CET
Malta, Italy declare joint cooperation to fight illegal immigration
Oct 27, 2005, 19:56 CET
Malta, UK agree on closer cooperation to tackle illegal immigration
Oct 25, 2005, 11:45 CET
MLP discusses illegal immigration in Libya
Oct 18, 2005, 10:25 CET
MEPs discuss illegal immigration
Oct 13, 2005, 11:18 CET
Church encourages Maltese to be generous with refugees
Oct 14, 2005, 17:00 CET
“Malta no longer to be threatened by human traffickers”-Minister Frendo
Oct 12, 2005, 14:36 CET
Emigrants Commission questions amendments to Refugees Act
Oct 9, 2005, 09:43 CET
Malta presents requests to deal with illegal immigration
Oct 3, 2005, 10:30 CET
Foreign Minister appeals not to allow refugee rights to be undermined
Sep 22, 2005, 17:39 CET
"National interest should prevail over international obligations"-Dr Sant
Sep 19, 2005, 10:18 CET
Government to analyse EU proposals on illegal immigration
Sep 3, 2005, 09:10 CET
Government to introduce new measures on repatriation of illegal immigrants
Aug 23, 2005, 10:30 CET
Government publishes European Council report on detention centres
Aug 16, 2005, 17:45 CET
Malta considering suspension of International obligations
Aug 10, 2005, 10:46 CET
Foreign Minister insists Malta will not let illegal immigration issue go
Aug 6, 2005, 12:41 CET
Libya-EU dialogue regarding irregular immigration held in Malta
Jul 20, 2005, 16:44 CET
Government to implement an emergency plan for irregular immigrants’ arrival
Jun 17, 2005, 15:00 CET
Journalists insist on being granted access to detention centres
Mar 12, 2005, 15:10 CET
MP concerned about immigrants' treatment
Feb 3, 2005, 09:00 CET
Government to improve immigrants detention centres
Jan 29, 2005, 12:03 CET
MP proposes solution for immigration problem
Jan 18, 2005, 23:00 CET
Government publishes new immigration policy
Jan 8, 2005, 12:30 CET
National conference on illegal immigration to be held in February
Dec 29, 2004, 18:00 CET
Talks for women marrying non-Maltese men
Sep 19, 2004, 10:17 CET
# produced by MaltaMedia News
