Malta Has Already Seen A Huge Increase In Migrant Arrivals From 2019’s Record Year
This year is on track to becoming a record year for migration to Malta, with 883 arrivals by boat in the first two months of the year.
Last year was a record high for migrant arrivals with a total of 3,406, according to figures collected by the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR).
However, only 49 migrants had arrived between January and February last year.
This year’s figures already account for more than 25% of last year’s total arrivals. However, a UNHCR spokesperson said these numbers cannot predict whether 2020 will indeed be a record year.
“Departures from Libya tend to fluctuate from month to month, and depend on various factors, including weather, sea conditions, but also the volatile security situation in Libya.” they said.
The breakdown of a secret Libya-Malta deal struck to minimize the number of arrivals may also be a factor of the sudden influx of migrants.
AFM Boat
On the subject of Malta’s reception capabilities, UNCHR pointed out that last year’s record numbers put the local asylum and reception facilities under increasing strain.
UNHCR took the opportunity to call for the establishment of formal international structures for the disembarkation and relocation of people rescued at sea, which would ease the pressure on front-line states like Malta.
At the same time, UNHCR also urged the Maltese Government to address certain shortcomings in the system, like reducing overcrowding by opening up more spaces in open centres, improving material reception conditions and ending detention of asylum-seekers.
“Prolonged detention has detrimental effects on physical and psychological wellbeing, particularly for the many asylum-seekers arriving in Malta who have experienced danger, trauma and inhumane treatment when fleeing their country and on their journey.”
READ NEXT: HSBC Malta Confirms 'A Number' Of Local Roles Removed As Bank Announces 35,000 Jobs Will Be Cut Globally
