44 migrants repatriated, two weeks after landing in Malta
'A strong message to human traffickers' - Byron Camilleri
Forty-four migrants who were in a group that was rescued and brought to Malta on December 12 have been repatriated.
Times of Malta had reported on the day that 61 migrants were rescued after their boat capsized off Malta.
The Home Affairs Ministry said the group departed Malta on Sunday night on its way to its country of origin, which it did not name. The operation was coordinated by the police. The ministry made no mention of the remaining migrants.
It said that this operation meant that’ 81% of irregular migrants who arrived in Malta this year have been returned to their country of origin.
The ministry also pointed out that irregular migrant arrivals dropped by 93% in five years.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said Malta would continue to implement a policy of 'fair migration,' granting assistance to those who truly deserved protection while repatriating those who abused the system and had no right to stay in Malta.
Camilleri said the quick repatriation of these 44 people sent a strong message to human traffickers that their criminal model was being attacked.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri thanked officials involved in the repatriation operation.