Foreign Minister Michael Frendo has asked the United Nations (UN) for help in dealing with illegal immigration. Speaking during the U.N. General Assembly on Monday, the Minister stated that mass illegal immigration from Africa to Europe is causing real hardship for countries such as Malta. He called on members of the organization to provide such countries with financial assistance.
Minister Frendo also condemned the illicit activity, stating that criminal groups are "taking advantage of the aspirations of human beings who have lost all hope." The foreign minister also called for help in returning illegal immigrants to their countries of origin and their reintegration into society.
He called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist with resettlement of refugees, while further pointing out that as an European Union (EU) member, Malta had the second highest number of asylum applications in 2005.
United Press International quoted the Minister to have said that "No country can tackle such an overwhelming phenomenon on its own."
Read more about this issue on MaltaMedia's special feature:
Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra: Malta and its migrations.
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