A debate entitled ‘Irregular Migration – Left Alone?’, highlighted the need for concrete action and a holistic approach to irregular migration. During the debate, MEPs from the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee spoke about a resolution that Parliament approved last week on the operating rules of the Eurosur border surveillance system, by means of which EU member states will be better equipped to prevent, detect and combat irregular migration, as well as to save migrants' lives.
The debate was organised by the European Parliament Information Office (EPIO) in Malta as part of the information campaign of the European Parliament leading to the European elections 2014, and as part of a fact-finding mission of a delegation of LIBE MEPs - Roberta Metsola, Jan Mulder and Josef Weidenholzer - to the European Asylum Support Office in Malta.
During the discussion MEPs Mulder and Weidenholzer noted that irregular migration is not unique to Malta. MEP Mulder referred to the Eurosur operating rules that the European Parliament approved last week, saying that it will enable member states to share real-time images and data on developments at the EU's external borders. The Eurosur communication network is designed to improve the detection, prevention and combating of irregular immigration and cross-border crime. MEPs insisted that it must also be used to help save migrants' lives. MEP Weidenholzer acknowledged that Malta is in a very exposed geographical position, and stressed that “we have to aim for a European solution”.
MEP Roberta Metsola, who sits on the LIBE Committee which deals with irregular migration, underlined the need for a holistic approach to migration, stressing that focusing simply on one area will not see any concrete results.
Dr Metsola referred to the cross-party European Parliament resolution passed last week, saying that MEPs had agreed on a concrete roadmap of actions that the EU could take to tackle irregular migration. She said that after weeks of tough negotiations, the European Parliament resolution makes specific reference to Malta and the need to fair sharing of responsibility when it comes to irregular migration. "It is now up to the member states to follow Parliament's lead", said Dr Metsola.
Replying to questions from the audience, Dr Metsola said that there is a need for member states to tackle the issue at source and step up its efforts to help countries of origin in Africa get back on their feet. She emphasised that the fight against organised crime networks must continue, and that cooperation with Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, is crucial in this respect. Dr Metsola again stated that solutions need to be looked at to allow people to seek asylum in third countries, to avoid them making the dangerous journey across the sea.
"The European Parliament has insisted time and again on the need for fair-sharing of responsibility and has again emphasised that relocation of beneficiaries of international protection from Malta is a concrete form of solidarity; the ball is now in the Government's court to convince other Member States to step up to the plate," said Dr Metsola.
The public discussion also featured the story of Goitom, a migrant from Eritrea who explained that he escaped from his homeland in search of ‘somewhere safe’. Replying to questions by Peter Agius, Head of the EPIO, Goitom said he was granted protection in Malta, having arrived here in 2006. He spoke about the oppressive situation in Eritrea, saying that he was expected to serve in the army for an indefinite period and without a salary. He was denied his freedom and subjected to inhumane treatment, and decided to leave in 2005.
He had crossed the Sudan border and travelled to Libya, which he described as “very hostile”. Goitom explained: “I had to go to a safe place; it didn’t matter where, as long as it was safe. In such a situation, it is not a case of choosing where you want to go.” He eventually made it onto a boat and left Libya, but he and the other migrants had no idea that they had arrived in Malta when they reached the shore. “I am very grateful to have been granted protection in Malta – a safe place where I can live my life freely; this is something very precious to me.” Goitom will be leaving for the US in a few months’ time, in search of a better future.
The debate also featured an exchange of views with Marsa mayor Francis Debono and Balzan councillor Stephen Gatt who spoke about local realities presented by irregular migration, highlighting contrasting experiences of integration and challenges to the local communities. The event also featured an exhibition of artistic interpretations of the challenges of irregular migration by students of MCAST’s Institute of Art and Design.