Fewer irregular migrants landed on Maltese shores this year, than in the past four years, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela has said.

On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the Minister said that the largest number of relocations to third countries occurred this year.

"The government believes that migrants arriving in Malta, escaping in order to save their lives or escaping persecution, need to be helped by all EU countries. Where possible, our country must also help and treat these people with respect and dignity. While we should help irregular migrants, we need to push all EU countries to respect international laws and obligations".

Turning to NGOs, he said that the government is in discussions with them to collaborate in this sector. "The next step requires a national policy regarding immigration, which holistically gathers all Ministries. This policy must assure that our country is also safeguarded. Our country must also remain committed to not allowing families and children to be kept in detention".

Number of migrants arriving through irregular boat crossings (as at 17/12/2014):

Year	2011	2012	2013	2014
No. of arrivals	1579	1890	2008	568

Number of beneficiaries of protection resettled/relocated to other (developed) countries (as at 17/12/2014):

YEAR	TOTAL
2011	344
2012	420
2013	428
2014	579