‘Swift implementation of TSM migration measures is crucial’ - Manuel Mallia

Following the proposals brought forward by the Task Force Mediterranean (TFM) aimed at addressing the influx of migrants from Africa into Europe, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia lauded the measures but insisted that swift implementation within a specified timeline is crucial.

"While the TFM is a significant step in effectively addressing irregular migration in the Mediterranean, the momentum must not be lost and swift implementation of the 38 measures must be swift and with clear timelines," Mallia underlined.

In light of the humanitarian tragedy in the Mediterranean that claimed the lives of hundreds of asylum-seekers, a meeting between European home affairs ministers in October sought to propose solutions on control of irregular migration as well as strong border surveillance and solidarity with countries dealing with high migration pressures.

This saw the establishment of the TFM, a task force of EU member states, which has since identified a series of measures to address the flow of migration from Africa into Europe, among which include the repatriation of failed asylum seekers as well as "outsourcing" the processing of their claims in transit countries.

Addressing EU Home Affairs Ministers in Brussels at a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council today, Mallia identified the proposals, following an unprecedented exercise that brought together all member states, associated countries, EU Agencies, UN organisations and other stakeholders.

The Minister highlighted the importance of particular actions relating to engaging with Libya as a partner as well as the return and readmission of failed asylum seekers to countries of origin, including through efforts aimed at increased recognition of the EU standard travel document (laissez-passer) for repatriation.

Minister Mallia also highlighted the importance of relocation of beneficiaries of protection from Malta, which faces disproportionate pressures.

Acting upon a number of actions proposed by Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during last October's European Council, the EU Communication took on board a number of actions including stronger cooperation with North African countries, increased recognition of the EU laissez-passer (travel document) and increased repatriation of failed asylum seekers, and more incentives for countries of origin to readmit asylum seekers amongst others.

This was the first time that migration in the Mediterranean has been specifically discussed at an EU level brought about through the concerted efforts of Malta and other Mediterranean member states.

The influx of migration has been a hotly debated issue between Malta and the European Union with Joseph Muscat and National Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia echoing their calls for burden sharing in recent EU summits.  Thousands of refugees, mainly from sub-Saharan countries and war-torn Syria, have made the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean in an effort to start a new life in Italy and Malta before making the journey up north.

Often travelling on rickety and crowded boats, asylum-seekers have been met both with sympathy as well as exasperation while travelling in hazardous conditions. However, the influx of migrants, particularly in Malta and Italy, has been described as 'unsustainable' with critics calling for all countries to shoulder the influx of migrants.