Much has been said in recent months about illegal immigration and the number of irregular arrivals which we have had this year. The figure for the past few months is already in excess of 1,100 people, who arrived here in 33 boatloads.

It has been very easy for some to criticise in an alarming way; however in truth we have to be realistic in tackling this problem.

It is not easy to explain to the general public that even if Malta decided not to adhere to the various United Nations or regional conventions, on a humane basis, Malta would still be obliged to provide for these immigrants in the same fashion as is being done.

The present phenomenon is hitting us hard and is financially costing us a substantial amount. However, so far, with a lot of organisation and effort on the part of the government, the Armed Forces of Malta and the police authorities, we have managed to control matters. One must be organised professionally and not let emotions overtake the good work being done.

Most of the irregular immigrants reaching our shores are in dire straits. They will have left their country either because of civil strife or political, ethnic or religious persecution or else because it is in such economic difficulty that remaining there would have meant simply existing rather than living.

What we assume to be the basic necessities would be the luxuries of life for many of these people. I do admit that in some cases one tends to raise an eyebrow and question the particular situation of some of these people.

In most cases, a difficult trek across barren land or some desert must have been the initial stage of their arduous journey. I hate to think of the number of immigrants who have not made it past this stage but have paid the ultimate price – namely dying “en route”.

Having reached North Africa, they either look for work in order to earn enough money to be able to finance the next stage of their voyage or else, if they still have enough funds, pay the hundreds of dollars which they require to move on. Those who would have found a job and worked there for some time become economic immigrants and are no longer considered as political asylum seekers. However, from those arriving here, it has been very difficult to distinguish between one and the other.

How do they leave North Africa? Is there, as is being said, a professional organisation which is making a lot of money benefiting from the misery of these people? Is there a situation where these people are tricked into leaving in small boats which are equipped only to make a short journey on the pretext that those organising these “trips” promise the immigrants an easy cross-over? Are the sailings being organised in such a way as to leave the North African coast in the form of a small armada of which some do not make it across to mainland Europe and land on our shores?

I shudder to think how easy this has become for the organisers. Are the victims being talked into believing that the southern European shores are just over the horizon? Or is there a second agenda? In all probability, these immigrants have never tested the seas before. In their vast majority, they are not seafaring people.

Once again we hear of those who die during the crossing. This worries me a lot.

In fact it is becoming a nightmare which, literally, keeps me awake at night. I just cannot believe that there are people who hope that these people do not make it. Last week alone we were made aware of a group of some 30 immigrants of whom only two people made it – just. The other 28 travellers must have met a terrible fate. May they at least rest in peace.

Then they arrive. Most of those taking the chance make it to Italy or Spain, depending on where the voyage starts. We have been inundated by hundreds while Italy is faced with the arrival of thousands.

Our government is being very cautious and although the financial burden is substantial, we are, within our limitations, providing shelter for these people until such time that procedures are followed. For those who come from North African nations that are not subject to political strife, repatriation is and will remain the order of the day.

The Foreign Ministry, as well as the Home Affairs Ministry, is doing its utmost to negotiate bilateral agreements to speed up matters, when such repatriation is on the cards. Discussions are also being held with Libya, since the crossing seems to start from its shores.

When repatriation is out of the question, these illegal immigrants are kept in closed detention until their application for asylum or refugee status has been dealt with and approved. Thereafter, they are immediately released to open centres. Furthermore, in the case of mothers with minor children and unaccompanied minors, release to open centres happens as soon as nationality and other details have been established.

Where do we go from here? Can the country take up the present influx? And what if the numbers increase substantially?

There are no easy answers to these questions. Notwithstanding our projections for economic revival and integration into the European Union, as well as our goals for the future, this is an added concern we have to face, deal with and overcome. Overcoming does not mean taking drastic steps which would in turn mean not dealing with the matter humanely.

I am sure that this is a passing phase and that there are long-term solutions for such emergencies and exigencies. However, in so far as we are faced with this “immigration problem”, let us address it with our feet firmly on the ground. Alarming the nation with emotional speeches inciting racism is no solution. Nor is it fair that some journalists try to put certain politicians in a bad light. Where are their ethics?

I believe that with the government’s diplomatic initiatives and the continued commitment of the AFM, the Police Force and now the Detention Centres administration, together with a more benevolent attitude from the general public, we can live with the situation.

I am convinced that, eventually, circumstances will change for the better and we can look back and realise that a challenge had been issued, met and overcome humanely and with due respect to the dignity of the illegal immigrants.

Tony Abela is Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister