Unfortunately, these illegal immigrants have been negatively stereotyped, she complained. “We need to get across and create an awareness about the stories of these people, who they are, where they come from, why they come to Malta and the harsh realities they leave behind.”

The minister was delivering a closing speech at the four-day training seminar, entitled The refugee situation in Malta – a challenge and the way forward – together. The seminar was organised by Appogg and featured talks by a number of experts in the field as well as by Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg, who addressed the seminar on the opening day.

The situation this year has escalated, Minister Cristina explained. Last year some 190 illegal immigrants landed in Malta while this year, during the period June to mid-August, 550 people arrived.

“We need to take account of this human tragedy that is touching our country and develop a well-thought strategy that coordinates the efforts of government entities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).” The facilities currently in place for these illegal immigrants have to be developed in a way that takes heed of the needs of these people, she said. Immigrants should be able to access information about their rights and obligations and they should receive help to be able to understand the structures and culture of this country.