From Dr S. Micallef Stafrace

That the situation surrounding illegal immigration is serious and that Malta needs all the help it can get is a given. That Frontex has not worked insofar as it has impacted on Malta is also a given. In my opinion it is also a given that the government has failed us in this respect. The premise is that each and every human life is precious and always deserves to be saved. At sea there is only one master and he is more than cruel without the need for human intervention, or the callous lack of it. So the AFM must carry on with its hard work trying to save as many lives as it can. They deserve everybody’s admiration and thanks.

However, it is surely high time that we take a long, hard look at the situation and to take stock of where we are. Frankly speaking, it is more than apparent that we in Malta are in a far worse situation this year than we have ever been. The increase in the number of illegal immigrants is such that it seems to mirror the increased amount of aid voted by the European Union. One wonders whether those who profit from illegal immigration knew this and acted accordingly. Are we being too soft?

The point is that a distinction must be made between the true refugee who will always find a home here in Malta, be it temporarily or permanently, and the illegal immigrant who is in our country to better his economic and social condition. The illegal immigrant who has chosen to leave his country not out of strict necessity to save his life, cannot be given succour beyond the legal limit of 18 months. Here we are in the area of human trafficking proper and nothing must be done to favour or fuel this horrible trade. Once the 18 months are up the illegal immigrant has to be returned to his country of origin. Distinctions must be made. Immigrants who do not tender any information or paperwork in this regard are to be kept in detention centres. This may sound cruel but has to be the only way out.

Just to make the point absolutely clear. I have no problem whatsoever with the genuine refugee. I have no problem with saving any life at sea at all times. I have a problem with illegal immigrants who are happy enough to enter our country illegally and expect to be treated with kid gloves even beyond the given 18-month period. Once the 18 months are up and it is proven that the immigrant is not a bona vide refugee, then his time is up. His illegality has now become tantamount to criminal activity and must be treated as such.

Our laws must be such as to reflect this or are applied to reflect this. To do differently is farcical.

Simon Micallef Stafrace

VALLETTA