"Although, in principle, migration in itself can be positive, it is so only as long as it is managed in a lawful, orderly manner. It is only when we have established a migration set-up managed by the authorities rather than by migrant smugglers that we will be able to say that we are addressing migration efficiently and effectively," said Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela.

Minister Abela was addressing a conference focused on migration, organised in Malta by the European Committee of the Regions and the the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM). Migration from Libya was the central topic of the conference.

The Minister said that curbing the activities of migrant smuggling networks in both countries of origin and transit is as essential as addressing the root causes of migration. A lack of legal migration opportunities and of information about such opportunities where these are available, he added, contribute to a scenario that ultimately favours the activities of migrant smuggling networks.

"Defeating migrant smugglers is not only meant to ensure that migration into Europe is properly managed," the Minister said. "It is also meant to ensure that we prevent the loss of more lives at sea on the Central Mediterranean route and elsewhere. There is clearly a direct correlation between the activities of migrant smugglers and fatalities at sea. As long as people continue thinking that the risk of taking a boat to Europe is worth taking, lives will continue being lost."

The Minister pointed out that the European Union is seriously committed to addressing the root causes of migration together with partner countries of origin and transit. Within an EU context, Malta has consistently argued for this and it remains a priority for our country, be it as an EU Member State or as the current Presidency of the Council. Intercontinental cooperation on migration should be as comprehensive as possible.

"We need to continue addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement; to enhance cooperation on legal migration and mobility; to reinforce the protection of migrants and asylum seekers; to prevent and fight irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings;  and to work more closely to improve cooperation on return, readmission and reintegration," said Minister Abela.