EU Commissioner welcomes Malta's deportation of 48 rescued at sea

Magnus Brunner says forced repatriation sends 'strong message' to 'migrant smugglers'

The EU Commissioner for Migration applauded Malta for its "strong message" against migrant smuggling when it forced the return of 48 migrants last week.

On Monday morning, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said on X (formerly Twitter) that the 48 people were returned to their country of origin 17 days after being rescued at sea. 

"By returning those with no right to remain swiftly, Malta is disrupting the human smugglers' business model," he told social media followers.

He added that the operation followed EU Standard Operating Procedures.

Reacting, Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the so-called return regulation would ensure "more efficient" returns.

"I welcome the strong message Malta has sent to migrant smugglers. In 17 days, 48 migrants who arrived irregularly were returned using the EU instrument for readmission cooperation," he said on X.

"We must make returns more efficient. The upcoming Return Regulation will help do just that."

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