During an informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Hon. Manuel Mallia, met the Director General of the International Organisation for Migration, Ambassador William Lacy Swing. Ambassador Swing acknowledged the difficult situation in Malta and emphasized IOM’s commitment to continue assisting the country.

Malta has had close cooperation with IOM, notably in the implementation of a programme for assisted voluntary return and reintegration of migrants who have no authorization to remain in Malta. Minister Mallia and Ambassador Swing agreed on the importance of enhancing such collaboration, particularly in order to increase the take up of the option for voluntary return. It was also agreed that IOM would continue to assist with the resettlement and relocation of beneficiaries of international protection from Malta, as well with training on the identification of victims of trafficking.

The Maltese Government and IOM will be exploring the possibility of further cooperation through additional measures, with Ambassador Swing expressing IOM’s willingness to assist Malta in various ways.