Humanitarian and security concerns inform refugee reception system reform

Home affairs minister Carmelo Abela said that the reform carried out in Malta’s reception system for irregular migrants and asylum seekers was inspired by humanitarian concerns, and national security considerations.

The reform reviewed Malta’s detention policy as well as other matters relating to the reception process, including the establishment of a system of initial reception.

“The government’s every move in this sphere has to be undertaken with reference to these two principles  - solidarity with migrants and national security - which, even if not in conflict, often give rise to tension,” Abela said, as he was addressing a symposium under the theme ‘Mercy Towards Immigrants: Theology and Society in Dialogue’, organised by the faculty of theology of the University of Malta at Villa Francia.

Abela added that, in this field, the government acts in line with the principles of solidarity and responsibility sharing, which it has advocated and promoted in several European and international fora.

“Malta has already relocated 15 asylum seekers from Italy and 17 from Greece; two countries that are presently facing significant pressures in the sector. Moreover, Malta will also be resettling 14 asylum seekers from Turkey, in accordance with a pledge undertaken at the EU level,” he added.

“This was the right decision, not just because Malta would expect similar assistance if faced with a similar situation, but also because we believe it was the right thing to do,” Abela said, adding that Malta has always insisted on the need for solidarity not only as a practical tool, but also as a legislative instrument.

“This need continues to be felt today. Of course, solidarity also has to manifest itself in other ways, looking beyond European shores to address the root causes of irregular migration, with a view to removing the need for people to have to risk their lives by travelling in an irregular manner,” he said, adding that this requires investment in people, job opportunities and, as a necessary pre-condition, political stability.

The symposium’s line-up of speakers includes Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, with the keynote address given by Rev. Dr René Micallef, who teaches moral theology and social ethics at the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, specialising in topics such as migration, conflict, human rights and the sources of moral reasoning.

Also in attendance were Michelle Muscat and education minister Evarist Bartolo.