Repatriation only remedy

I strongly protest against the irresponsible pressure from outside, echoed and supported in local media, against the repatriation of illegal immigrants, especially when coming from people living in countries with all the space of the world.

This illegal swamping is becoming a threat to our health, economy, identity and living space. More illegal immigrants will surely come, and if the government's hand is tied further, this will be the end of the Maltese nation as we know it. Where is this going to end? Numbers are starting to be dangerously overwhelming. This is unfair and unacceptable.

Does this now mean that theoretically the whole of the African or Eritrean population will have the right to remain here once they have landed? If so, the Australian solution of warding off further landings should be the only solution for this little island. If not possible then fast repatriation is the only other alternative.

The irresponsible removal of the UN provision for the 'geographical limitation' will create further problems. Refugee status should only be given strictly to those fleeing personal political persecution, and if in large numbers these should be relocated to other large countries. Others should not remain here. Malta cannot afford to cater for problems it never created or contributed to.

Malta is one of the smallest and perhaps the most densely populated country in the world, where the countryside and our few remaining living space is always shrinking. This country can barely support its natural population, let alone a mass foreign influx.

Our political parties should understand that mass immigration, both legal and illegal, will have a negative effect on our environment and urbanisation. It is useless to take steps against mass immigration from Europe while none is taken to stop that from Africa, whatever the immigrants' plight or ordeal.

I therefore strongly protest against giving in to this pressure. The repatriation of those who do not have any proved legal right to remain here should continue. We were relieved to hear that this has at last started. It should not stop.

This influx is creating anxiety in most people. I trust our responsible decision-makers will address this threat in the best national interest, as large countries are doing. I will only vote for those who will do so. Other issues will be secondary this time round.

by Mr Alessandro Pace, St Venera.

Mr Emmanuel Spiteri (The Sunday Times, October 6) has echoed the fear that Malta might be some day drowned in immigrants. This feeling is very widespread among Maltese, which is unfortunate, because I feel it is rather inappropriate.

At the moment, hundreds of illegal immigrants have applied for asylum and refugee status in our country and are awaiting a decision. Those who are not judged to be fleeing a humanitarian crisis will be returned to their country. But those who are genuinely fleeing hardship must be provided with a simple living. This is our duty, as part of the developed world.

The argument that is often used is that Malta has enough needs of its own to look after, without having to provide for foreigners as well. That is hardly an argument! Malta isn't the United States, but we are easily able to provide a simple living for several of these immigrants for the brief period they are detained here. After all, several millions of liri in taxes seem to disappear every year without any trace - we seem to be so good at spending money, surely we can spare something for people genuinely in need of protection.

In reality, the enormity of this problem is raising eyebrows all over the world, and not just here. In fact, Malta's position in the Mediterranean only makes matters worse because it puts us in the paths of many hundreds of refugees, so this is a problem we cannot avoid - that is, unless we start turning them all away (which is what Mr Spiteri suggested).

Have we forgotten how many of our relatives fled a war-ravaged Malta to seek a better life in America, Europe and Australia? Cannot these Maltese and their families show some generosity in exchange for the welcome they enjoyed when they fled their homeland? And what, may I ask, is Mr Spiteri's solution? To simply "not let them set foot on shore"? I wonder if Mr Spiteri even knows the meaning of that.

I would not like to be misunderstood - I do not wish my country to become a highway for refugees. I am conscious of the need to safeguard both our economy and our identity. World poverty is a global problem, and if we find ourselves with too much on our hands, we will be able to appeal to international authority so that some can moved to another country in Europe, pending deportation or freedom.

In truth, if anyone genuinely thinks that any Maltese government would allow Malta to be overrun by asylum-seekers, my only reply is - how naive can you get! The problem is not ours alone to bear, but nor is it possible for us to avoid it entirely. We have to do our part.

Finally, may I add that, contrary to Mr Spiteri's claims, the general trend with refugees is not that they are criminals fleeing justice in their own country. They are not blood-thirsty assassins, nor do they harbour rapists. They are, in general, simple people, who have learned to content themselves with very little - they don't need flashy cars, or three-course meals. All they want is a chance to live and bring up their children without fearing losing them every day.

When speaking of robbery and greed, it's some Maltese I would be afraid of, not them! It's shameful that Mr Spiteri can defame innocent people in this way. I would invite him to come over and get acquainted with some of them. Then, I'm sure he will be in a better position to discuss the issue.

by Mr Thomas Lofaro, Balzan.