The discourse surrounding immigration in Malta has, to say the least, knocked my confidence in Maltese society. We need to abandon this notion of ‘us versus them’. Categorising human beings as ‘the other’ has been problematic throughout history. This notion of ‘the other’ has been used in the past to justify the suppression of groups of people in order to rule over them. There is no greater example of this than European colonisation. This has led to a situation where we are brought up in societies where it is accepted to draw distinctions between people depending on what they look like or where they come from. This eventually led to state racism and apartheid in my country of birth, South Africa. On immigration and integration there have been lots of examples of different routes taken and their outcomes. In France for example the establishment of the exclusive immigrant communities within the banlieues or suburbs has led to ghettoization and not integration. Immigrants in France are expected to assimilate and become French and not keep hold of their own identity. This has led to conflict which boiled over into riots. In my view a far better, if not perfect example, is the integration policies of the UK. Immigrants are placed within existing communities and are therefore more likely to integrate. This is not to say that there are no problems. Malta has an opportunity to be a leader in how it deals with irregular migrants. The fact that Malta is a small island state is not lost on me; however this issue is not going to go away. It would be impossible to just send people away for eternity.
As you know the people at the receiving end of the latest racist vitriol are fleeing war, poverty and oppression. Unless you are in the same position it is very difficult to imagine what life is like trying to survive in those circumstances. Imagine for a minute you have to leave your home out of fear of death. You travel through some of the most inhospitable parts of the world. Through countries that poses an even greater threat to your lives. Finally you get on a small boat destined Europe, the land of milk and honey as perceived by those not living here. On arrival you are treated like a criminal and locked up. The crime? Trying to save your life. Would you like to be treated like this?
No country has ever succeeded in fighting immigration. Even America has recently announced an amnesty for undocumented migrants. However, looking toward Europe it is not long before racist policies are noticed. In Italy children of immigrants cannot apply for citizenship until they are 18 years old, even if they were born there. Malta has an opportunity to accept the migrants, not just tolerate them. These islands can prosper by looking at the world through a different perspective. Life here would be enriched by new influences, without eroding the existing culture. You are not being invaded, you are being asked for help. Let humanity overcome hatred.Lessons from history are so easily forgotten. Fighting those you see as ‘others’ does not work. Working together for a future without hate is the only goal for the sake of humanity.
Francois Van Zyl