Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Quo Vadis? Some Reflections on Malta’s Migration Management Trajectory

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Law and Migration in a Changing World

Part of the book series: Ius Comparatum - Global Studies in Comparative Law ((GSCL,volume 31))

  • 576 Accesses

Abstract

The drowning of thousands of people in the Mediterranean Sea, with 2016 being the deadliest year on record, when European governments were more focused on border security than on migrant safety, also fleetingly put Malta at the centre of this strand of migration history. This chapter seeks to provide an overview of some of the most salient aspects of Malta’s migration management model, including some of the socio-cultural and politico-legal factors that have resulted in the existing legal frameworks.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. 1.

    See, for instance, S Scherer, ‘Italy’s Salvini gets win with new asylum and security rules’ Reuters (29 November 2018) <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-immigration-security/italys-salvini-gets-win-with-newasylum-and-security-rules-idUSKCN1NY1JN>.

  2. 2.

    See, for instance, European Commission, ‘Malta: Would Temporary Humanitarian Protection no longer be renewed’ (26 December 2016) <https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/malta-would-temporary-humanitarianprotection-no-longer-be-renewed>.

  3. 3.

    ‘Colored Labor. Statement by the Prime Minister. Maltese Immigration Prohibited.’ The Leader (21 October 1916) <https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/89769516?searchTerm=ganges%20no%20colored%20labor>.

  4. 4.

    See generally, BW Blouet, The Story of Malta (Progress Press 1993).

  5. 5.

    Source: Eurostat.

  6. 6.

    Source: Eurostat.

  7. 7.

    Source: Eurostat.

  8. 8.

    Ministry for European Affairs and Equality, ‘Integration = Belonging: Migrant Integration Strategy and Action Plan’ (December 2017) <https://meae.gov.mt/en/Documents/migrant%20integration-EN.pdf>.

  9. 9.

    See EuroStat data.

  10. 10.

    See in this regard, C Cassar and J-P Gauci, ‘Malta Human Rights Report 2015’ (2nd edn, The People for Change Foundation 2015) <https://www.academia.edu/12173874/Malta_Human_Rights_Report_2015_Second_Edition_>.

  11. 11.

    See, for example, European Commission, ‘Standard Eurobarometer 92, Public Opinion in the European Union: National Report - Malta’ (December 2019) <https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/89546>.

  12. 12.

    For a full list, see J-P Gauci and P Mallia, ‘Access to Protection: A Human Right, National Report - Malta’ (The People for Change Foundation, December 2013) <http://www.pfcmalta.org/access-to-protection-a-humanright.html>.

  13. 13.

    See Matrix Insight Ltd, Thielemann E, Williams R and Boswell C, ‘What system of burden-sharing between Member States for the reception of asylum seekers?’ (European Parliament Directorate General for Internal Policies, Policy Department C: Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs, 22 January 2010) <https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2010/419620/IPOL-LIBE_ET(2010)419620_EN.pdf>.

  14. 14.

    The agreement was challenged by Poland and Hungary before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

  15. 15.

    European Commission, ‘Member States’ Support to Emergency Relocation Mechanism’ (2018).

  16. 16.

    Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta, available at <www.justiceservices.gov.mt/LOM.aspx?pageid=24>.

  17. 17.

    For a full list, see <www.justiceservices.gov.mt/LOM.aspx?pageid=27&mode=chrono&gotoID=217>.

  18. 18.

    Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta.

  19. 19.

    Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta.

  20. 20.

    Chapter 319 of the Laws of Malta.

  21. 21.

    Chapter 460 of the Laws of Malta.

  22. 22.

    The purpose of the Immigration Act is provided on page 1.

  23. 23.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.07.

  24. 24.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.15.

  25. 25.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.06.

  26. 26.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.12.

  27. 27.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.14.

  28. 28.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.11.

  29. 29.

    Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta.

  30. 30.

    Article 2 of Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta.

  31. 31.

    Louled Massoud v Malta App no 24340/08 (European Court of Human Rights, 27 July 2010), Aden Ahmed v Malta App no 55352/12 (European Court of Human Rights, 23 July 2013) and Suso Musa v Malta App no 42337/12 (European Court of Human Rights, 23 July 2013).

  32. 32.

    See in this regard, S Attard, C Cassar and J-P Gauci, ‘Malta Human Rights Report 2013’ (The People for Change Foundation 2014).

  33. 33.

    This section is based on a report by the authors: J-P Gauci and P Mallia, ‘Access to Protection: A Human Right, National Report - Malta’ (The People for Change Foundation, December 2013) <http://www.pfcmalta.org/accessto-protection-a-human-right.html>.

  34. 34.

    Chapter IV of the Constitution of Malta.

  35. 35.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.12.

  36. 36.

    Hirsi Jamaa and others v Italy App no 27765/09 (European Court of Human Rights, 23 February 2012).

  37. 37.

    Sahan Dilek Et v Ministry Tal-Gustizzja U L-Affarijiet Interni Et (Constitutional Court, 22 February 2013).

  38. 38.

    Amnesty International, ‘Eritrea: ‘“You have no right to ask” - Government resists scrutiny on human rights’ (19 May 2004) <https://www.refworld.org/docid/4129dcf54.html>.

  39. 39.

    See Article 39 ECHR.

  40. 40.

    For an analysis of this case and its legal implications, see P Mallia and J-P Gauci, ‘Irregular migration and the international obligation of non-refoulement: the case of the MV Salamis from a Maltese perspective’ (2014) 20(1) Journal of International Maritime Law 50 <https://www.academia.edu/28118178/Irregular_migration_and_the_international_obligation_of_non-refoulement_the_case_of_MV_Salamis_from_a_Maltese_perspective>.

  41. 41.

    2004 IMO Guidelines on the Treatment of Persons Rescued at Sea, para 2.5.

  42. 42.

    International Maritime Organization, ‘Status of IMO Treaties: Comprehensive information on the status of multilateral conventions and instruments in respect of which the International Maritime Organization or its Secretary-General performs depositary or other functions’ (2021) <https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/About/Conventions/StatusOfConventions/Status%20-%202021.pdf>.

  43. 43.

    Also note the analogous provision in SOLAS, Annex, Chapter V, Regulation 33.1-1.

  44. 44.

    FAL Circular Principles relating to Administrative Procedures for Disembarking Persons Rescued at Sea, FAL Circular FAL.3/Circ.194 (22 January 2009) para 2.3 states that ‘if disembarkation from the rescuing ship cannot be arranged swiftly elsewhere, the Government responsible for the SAR area should accept the disembarkation of the persons rescued …’. For Malta’s reservations on this, see IMO Report of the FAL on its 35th Session, January 2009.

  45. 45.

    See, for example, ‘Maersk Boxship Delayed due to EU Migration Debate’ (The Maritime Executive, 24 June 2018) <https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/maersk-boxship-delayed-by-eu-migration-impasse>.

  46. 46.

    Amnesty International, ‘Amnesty International Public Statement. Italy/Malta: Obligation to safeguard lives and safety of migrants and asylum seekers’ (7 May 2009) <https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/48000/eur300072009en.pdf>.

  47. 47.

    See I Binnie, ‘Migrant rescue NGO says boat drifting after Italy and Malta refuse access’ Reuters (8 August 2017) <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-italy-libya/migrant-rescue-ngo says-boat-drifting-afteritaly-and-malta-refuse-access-idUSKBN1AO1KE>.

  48. 48.

    See Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council, Migration on the Central Mediterranean Route, Managing Flows, Saving Lives (Brussels, 25.1.2017). JOIN(2017) 4 final); and Malta Declaration by the members of the European Council on the External Aspects of Migration: Addressing the Central Mediterranean Route, 3 February 2017.

  49. 49.

    European Council, ‘European Council Conclusions, 28 June 2018: Press Release 421/18’ (29 June 2018) <https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/06/29/20180628-euco-conclusions-final/pdf>.

  50. 50.

    Ibid, para 3.

  51. 51.

    Leone Ganado P, ‘Impounded migrant rescue ships still awaiting answers’ Times of Malta (31 July 2018) <https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/impounded-migrant-rescue-ships-still-awaiting-answers.685639>.

  52. 52.

    As noted above, shortly after entry into Maltese ports, Maltese authorities brought criminal charges against the captain, accusing him of irregularities regarding the registration of the ship, and impounded the ship. He was arrested and charged with using the ship in Malta without a proper flag, state registration or license, thus entering Maltese waters illegally.

  53. 53.

    M Pace, ‘Migrants onboard MV Aquarius to enter Malta as European states agree on sharing responsibility’ Malta Today (14 August 2018) <https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/88843/migrants_onboard_mv_aquarius_to_enter_malta_as_european_states_agree_on_sharing_responsibility_#.Xeexly2ZPC8>.

  54. 54.

    D Zammit Lupi, ‘“We are not fish”: Migrants stranded at sea grow frustrated’ Reuters (4 January 2019) <https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-europe-migrants-ngo-idUKKCN1OY1AJL>.

  55. 55.

    Reuters Staff, ‘Migrants brought to Malta from Spanish boat after long stand-off’ Reuters (2 December 2018) >https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-spain/migrants-brought-to-malta-from-spanish-boat-after-longstandoff-idUSKBN1O10B2<.

  56. 56.

    Article 2 Reception Regulations <https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/551184654.pdf>.

  57. 57.

    Rana Ghulam Akbar v Kummissarju tal-Pulizija (Court of Magistrates, 26 February 2018).

  58. 58.

    Article 13 Prevention of Disease Ordinance <http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=8595&l=1>.

  59. 59.

    Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta.

  60. 60.

    Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta.

  61. 61.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.12 of the Laws of Malta.

  62. 62.

    European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, ‘ECRI Report on Malta (fourth monitoring cycle)’ (15 October 2013) <https://rm.coe.int/fourth-report-on-malta/16808b5929>.

  63. 63.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.12 of the Laws of Malta.

  64. 64.

    Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta.

  65. 65.

    Asylum Information Database, ‘County Report: Malta’ (2018) <https://www.asylumineurope.org/sites/default/files/report-download/aida_mt_2018update.pdf>.

  66. 66.

    Louled Massoud v Malta App no 24340/08 (European Court of Human Rights, 27 July 2010). The case dealt with the administrative immigration detention and not imprisonment for the crime committed.

  67. 67.

    Article 5(1) of the ECHR.

  68. 68.

    Article 5(4) of the ECHR.

  69. 69.

    See Hammarberg T, ‘Report by Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, following his visit to Malta from 23 to 25 March 2011’ (9 June 2011) <https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ecba92d2.html>.

  70. 70.

    Suso Musa v Malta App no 42337/12 (European Court of Human Rights, ECHR 23 July 2013).

  71. 71.

    Aden Ahmed v Malta App no 55352/12 (European Court of Human Rights, ECHR 23 July 2013).

  72. 72.

    Article 3 of the ECHR.

  73. 73.

    Article 5 (1) and (4) of the ECHR.

  74. 74.

    Essa Maneh v Kummissarju tal-Pulizija bhala Ufficjal Principal talImmigrazzjoni u Ministru tal-Gustizzja u l-Intern, Apell Civili No. 53/2008/1 (Constitutional Court, 29 April 2013).

  75. 75.

    Subsidiary Legislation 217.14 promulgated by Legal Notice 432 of 2011 on 4 November 2011.

  76. 76.

    Article 2 defines Employer as ‘any natural person or any legal entity, including temporary work agencies, for or under the direction and/or supervision of whom the employment is undertaken’.

  77. 77.

    Employment is taken to mean: the exercise of activities covering whatever form of labour or work regulated under Maltese law or in accordance with the established practice for or under the direction and/or supervision of the employer.

  78. 78.

    Regulation 3(1).

  79. 79.

    Regulation 3(3).

  80. 80.

    Regulation 4.

  81. 81.

    See, for instance, United States Department of State, ‘2018 Trafficking in Persons Report – Malta’ (28 June 2018) <https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b3e0adba.html>.

  82. 82.

    Ibid.

  83. 83.

    Including at appeal stage.

  84. 84.

    See Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security, ‘Review of Temporary Humanitarian Protection – N(ew) for failed asylum seekers: Press Release 162593’ (19 November 2016).

  85. 85.

    Platform Human Rights Organisations Malta, ‘Joint NGO Statement on the non-renewal of Temporary Humanitarian Protection N status’ (17 November 2016) <http://www.humanrightsplatform.org.mt/joint-ngo-statement-onthe-non-renewal-of-temporary-humanitarian-protection-n-status/>.

  86. 86.

    European Commission, ‘New Specific Residence Authorisation policy implemented in Malta for rejected asylum seekers’ (15 November 2018).

  87. 87.

    See Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security, ‘Policy regarding Specific Residence Authorisation - A policy for Specific Residence Authorisation is replacing Temporary Humanitarian Policy: Press Release PR182440’ (15 November 2018) <https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/media/Press_Releases/Pages/2018/Nov/Policy-regarding-Specific-Residence-Authorisation%E2%80%94a-policy-for-Specific-Residence-Authorisation-is-replacing-Temporary-Huma.aspx>.

  88. 88.

    See Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security, ‘Policy regarding specific residence authorisation’ (November 2018) <https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/media/Policies-Documents/Documents/SRAPolicyDocumentNov2018.pdf>.

References

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. British Institute of International and Comparative Law, London, UK

    Jean-Pierre Gauci

  2. The People for Change Foundation, San Gwann, Malta

    Christine M. Cassar

  3. Department of International Law at the Faculty of Laws, University of Malta, Valletta, Malta

    Patricia Vella de Fremeaux

Authors
  1. Jean-Pierre Gauci
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christine M. Cassar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Patricia Vella de Fremeaux
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jean-Pierre Gauci .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Law and Anthropology, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, Halle (Saale), Germany

    Marie-Claire Foblets

  2. Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium

    Jean-Yves Carlier

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Gauci, JP., Cassar, C.M., Fremeaux, P.V.d. (2022). Quo Vadis? Some Reflections on Malta’s Migration Management Trajectory. In: Foblets, MC., Carlier, JY. (eds) Law and Migration in a Changing World. Ius Comparatum - Global Studies in Comparative Law, vol 31. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99508-3_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99508-3_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-99506-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-99508-3

  • eBook Packages: Law and CriminologyLaw and Criminology (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation