Reference is made to the article entitled Dehumanising people is a slippery slope, (TMID, 6 December). The article quotes Mr Terry Gosden in his criticism during a seminar on irregular immigrants and the Maltese labour market.

It is important to underline that residents of open accommodation centres who are registered unemployed do not receive Lm17 (e39.60) per month as reported in the article, but the amount they are entitled for and which they get is at least double the amount stated.

In more vulnerable cases, in particular with the presence of minor children, the amount received is even higher. Having said this, it is important to stress that the amount given to those residents who are unemployed depends on the status and the specific circumstances. Furthermore all residents of open centres are entitled to free accommodation, healthcare, and education. Where the residents have the status of refugees, they are also eligible for social security benefits.

The assistance which is provided by the Maltese authorities supports refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular immigrants. In addition, other services are provided to assist with access to the labour market, which for both Maltese and non-Maltese alike is a guarantee for future prospects. Those immigrants who have been awarded status are being provided with these services in view of integration both locally and in other member states, while those persons whose claim for asylum has been rejected are given full support until it is possible to return to their country of origin.

OIWAS would like to note that despite the enormous challenges being faced by both the migrants and the Maltese society, thanks to the State-supported assistance and the work done on a voluntary basis by various organisations, the bleak picture which Mr Gosden portrays does not reflect the reality.

Gerald Micallef

Media Officer

Organisation for the Integration and Welfare of Asylum Seekers