Malta urged to set an integration strategy

But the detention system is only one amongst many gaps in the Maltese integration policy. Indeed, a MIPEX (Migrant Integration Policy Index) report reveals Malta as having one of the worst integration policy in Europe, ranking at the 28th place out of 31.One of the explications Maltese authorities give for the poor state of integration is the high rate of migrants in an already highly populated country. With a population density of 1300 inhabitants by square km, Malta is the most densely populated country of the EU.Mario Guido Friggieri, Refugee Commissioner who takes care of the asylum determination, believes that Malta cannot supply help to integration for the increasing number of refugees and asylum seekers.According to him, “whilst in the case of asylum determination the number can somehow be managed, in the case of reception and especially of integration, the big number is very difficult to manage.” “My office gives protection,” he adds. “Now, if this protection does not translate itself into inclusion or integration, it will not mean anything.”
Read more...