Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said in Parliament on Tuesday that the government is committed to continue combatting human trafficking efforts occurring within the Mediterranean Sea.
He said that unless such movements are addressed, the Mediterranean Sea will continue acting as a "cemetery" for many people attempting the dangerous crossing to Europe.
Minister Camilleri noted that irregular migration "is not a proper means to enter Europe," and that "until we properly address human trafficking, many people will continue to die."
He mentioned that Malta's policies under the present administration, while always working to deter these unsanctioned migratory movements, are not against helping refugees in need.
The Home Affairs Minister remarked that while the country has strengthened its laws to aid refugees from war-torn countries like Syria, Ukraine, and several African countries, "we cannot accept those paying human traffickers to enter our country illegally" - especially when refugees are not receiving the help they need.
He affirmed that the country has both a legal and a moral obligation to assist refugees, i.e., those escaping war and/or a form of persecution.
Interior Minister Byron Camilleri made these points while discussing a bill that promotes this overall irregular immigration strategy while bolstering definitions within the Schengen Information System in accordance with updated EU Regulations in this field.
Camilleri observed that this bill is sending a clear message against human trafficking; once enacted, human traffickers will be facing harsher penalties to deter this practice.
Among these deterrents are the expansion of potential prison sentences for longer maximum punishments of up to 10 years imprisonment. In addition, the accompanying fine for such crimes has been increased from circa €23,000 (formerly Lm 10,000) to €40,000.
"We cannot tolerate those who enter the human trafficking sphere - human trafficking often kills people and results in many deaths in the Mediterranean Sea," the Home Affairs Minister said.
The Minister remarked that human trafficking does not look after people's interests, and that human traffickers "only care about money."
Camilleri said that over recent years, Malta has conducted many returns of incoming irregular immigrants who were not classified as refugees, following their holding at local detention centres. He commended the improved conditions at these detention centres, which he said has been noted in published reports by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) in recent years for making these spaces more "humane."
The Minister commented that through this bill, the government is proposing that the illegal activity of human trafficking is officially referred to as "the contraband of people" while strengthening national deterrents.
He concluded that this bill features some very important amendments for Malta to strengthen its alignment with the Schengen Area, for the Schengen Area to be a more secure region, and for people to enjoy the Schengen Area more as a result.
During this discussion, Opposition MP Darren Carabott did not butt heads with the Minister or on the proposed increased deterrents against human trafficking. However, he provided some points where Camilleri's Ministry may amend its approach.
Carabott told Parliament on Tuesday afternoon that while Malta should not bow its head to third countries, it should be more open to criticisms in order to improve and optimise the country's situation in this field. He also called for MPs to not forget to work to improve investment into enforcing national laws as they work to present new legislative frameworks.