Balancing views

Vicki Ann Cremona responds to two articles published recently in the International Herald Tribune. She writes that both articles "give an unbalanced view of the situation in Malta regarding illegal immigration":

While there is undoubtedly a high level of concern about the seemingly neverending influx of illegal immigrants to the European Union's smallest member state, and there have been some unpleasant incidents, the picture portrayed in the articles is grossly exaggerated. The Maltese government is actively committed to eradicating any form of racism, and criminal proceedings have already been taken against those accused of inciting racism.

Malta is actively committed to raising civic awareness about the problems, obligations and the need for compassion and understanding of irregular immigrants through a process of education and public information. Given this problem's dramatic increase during the last four years, the population is facing a totally new and challenging reality. The major and unexpected increase in the number of immigrants in such a small and densely populated country has led to a period of turbulence that must be overcome.

Unlike tourists, the immigrants have nowhere to go back to, and Malta's resources are stretched to the limit. Public perceptions on such major and sensitive issues of policy are slow to change. The only way that the natural tensions that may have arisen in a very small minority of the population can be assuaged and any fears or prejudices that may exist allayed is through constant social engagement, which the government is committed to.

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