Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party has today reiterated its call for a revamp of Malta’s immigration policy, and expressed its support of similar calls by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, NGOs, and others.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “The tragic incidents of these past days should serve as a clear warning that Malta needs to revamp its immigration policy.

“The Nationalist Government should match its rhetoric with clear action and change of policy and the Labour opposition should abandon its cheap populist far-right rhetoric based on scaremongering, disregard of international agreement and fantasies which will never be achieved. In a normal European society, such discourse would be unacceptable from a social democratic party.”

“Detention is only causing stress, hardship and oppression. Instead, Malta should move towards a maximum six-month detention period and adopt clear policies for integration. Malta should also combat the exploitative work conditions of migrant workers, and ensure that such employment is fully regularised. Such policies help bring about cohesion and social justice, unlike the current situation which is causing massive problems.”

Robert Callus, AD spokesperson for Migration and Citizenship, said, “Government hasn’t been honest with the Maltese people and for the past 10 years has treated migration as if it was a temporary phenomenon when it knew pretty well it wasn’t. Policy was concerned only in limiting the numbers, or at least appearing to be doing so to the general public while everything else was neglected.

“These policies or lack of them, unwittingly have fuelled racism. For instance while one frequently hears that we “house and feed immigrants”, many don’t realise that the main reason for this is detention policy. Most immigrants spend only a few months in Open Centres after which they “house and feed” themselves. While detained however, they have on other option.

“Another case in point is the rampant exploitation at the place of work which is also creating unfair competition on Maltese workers,” Robert Callus concluded.

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