I am terribly disturbed by recent comments in the local press about illegal immigrants. Particular comments include:
‘Only the removal or relocation of these persons is the solution for us’; ‘They are escorted in, given food, something to drink, accommodation, hope of a better life, probably complimentary social services, guards and all the frills. Few will ever be grateful’; ‘They are ruining our economy, our health and in little time they will be strong enough to form a movement and no one will stop them’; ‘It is no longer a matter of if, but certainly a matter of when this country will be overrun’.
In such a strongly Catholic country, it is disappointing to see such lack of compassion for the immigrant’s plight.However, I was pleased to see this week the Pope appealing to the total community to be understanding of their situation and assist where necessary in providing them with basic human rights.
According to an article in the Malta Independent last Wednesday 3 September, ‘Since records have been kept, official figures state that a total of 11,303 immigrants came to Malta over a seven year span’. From this total figure, 4,509 immigrants are currently living on the island at the moment. This shows that action is being taken to provide for the transfer of immigrants to other counties.
I believe the prejudices we see are a result of the general lack of information as to what the policy is on repatriation and/or integration within the EU. We are provided with information on resettlement of immigrants within the EU and the US but are unclear on the government/EU policy as to how this is handled.
Perhaps more information and public awareness would diminish the lack of sympathy shown to these desperate people once the general public understands the government’s policies and efforts to resolve what is increasingly becoming a crisis situation.
Other European member states are facing similar situations and there should be more public awareness of the common policy to resolve this human migration where human beings by circumstance have been forced to risk their lives and the lives of those they love most, in order to provide themselves and their families with a future. In addition, we all need to work together where we can to provide assistance and offer positive and peaceful contributions to the problem, which is likely to continue for many years to come.

Daisy Kirk
Naxxar