Abramortiis
8thSeptember2005, 11:35
Visit by Dutch experts in relation to Asylum and Immigration matters by Walter Sultana, di-ve news (wsul@di-ve.com)
VALLETTA, Malta, (di-ve news) -- September 07, 2005 -- 2045CEST -- Experts from the Dutch Ministry of Justice and the Central Agency responsible for the management of reception centres in the Netherlands held meetings on September 6, and 7 with a Maltese technical delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs Mr Charles Deguara.
The aim of this visit was to identify possible areas of practical bilateral collaboration, particularly in the area of asylum and illegal immigration, between Malta and the Netherlands. Part of these meetings discussed also the development of joint projects involving EU co-financing as well as other initiatives related to the effective implementation of the Hague Programme.
Such meetings are of a particular importance to Malta in view of the recent arrival of illegal immigrants. The Maltese side expressed its concern regarding the present situation and argued that the smallest EU state can not be expected to carry by itself such a considerable amount of illegal immigrants and all its burdens. Initiatives should be taken to alleviate this problem and have a practical burden sharing projects both to alleviate the Maltese authorities and not least to help the asylum seekers themselves.
The Dutch delegation acknowledged this difficult situation for Malta. As such the delegation reiterated its commitment to identify possible areas of assistance.
VALLETTA, Malta, (di-ve news) -- September 07, 2005 -- 2045CEST -- Experts from the Dutch Ministry of Justice and the Central Agency responsible for the management of reception centres in the Netherlands held meetings on September 6, and 7 with a Maltese technical delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs Mr Charles Deguara.
The aim of this visit was to identify possible areas of practical bilateral collaboration, particularly in the area of asylum and illegal immigration, between Malta and the Netherlands. Part of these meetings discussed also the development of joint projects involving EU co-financing as well as other initiatives related to the effective implementation of the Hague Programme.
Such meetings are of a particular importance to Malta in view of the recent arrival of illegal immigrants. The Maltese side expressed its concern regarding the present situation and argued that the smallest EU state can not be expected to carry by itself such a considerable amount of illegal immigrants and all its burdens. Initiatives should be taken to alleviate this problem and have a practical burden sharing projects both to alleviate the Maltese authorities and not least to help the asylum seekers themselves.
The Dutch delegation acknowledged this difficult situation for Malta. As such the delegation reiterated its commitment to identify possible areas of assistance.