Malta repatriated and relocated more migrants than it rescued in 2023, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri told parliament this week.
New measures focused on processing asylum applications faster and returning those without grounds to remain helped facilitate more departures than arrivals for the first time.
Efforts Lead to Net Migrant Outflow
Minister Camilleri credited recent policy changes with enabling authorities to process claims and remove those found to lack valid grounds for staying more efficiently.
This contributed to 380 migrant rescues offset by 315 repatriations and 159 relocations last year.
Ongoing cooperation with neighboring states and countries of origin and transit has also aimed to discourage perilous sea journeys and reduce loss of life.
Authorities Enhance Capabilities
Enhanced capabilities facilitated the shift toward more departures than arrivals.
Upgrades to migrant processing centers boosted capacity, without overburdening surrounding communities.
The launch of the specialized International Protection Agency to handle asylum applications enabled officials to chip away at years-old backlogs.
Meanwhile, the new Returns Unit focuses exclusively on safely repatriating those obligated to leave Malta.
ETIAS Applicants Face Wait on Policy Impact
The shift toward net outflows of migrants from Malta will take years to substantially impact immigration policies like the upcoming ETIAS scheme.
Set to launch in May 2025, the ETIAS visa waiver will facilitate short-term European Union (EU) travel for visitors from over 60 countries.
Potential changes stemming from Malta’s new approach are unlikely to alter ETIAS or wider EU entry rules before the system’s implementation.
Long-Term Migrants See Eventual Opening
While the policy changes in Malta do not immediately affect EU immigration frameworks, sustained migratory outflows could slowly ease pressure on illegal channels.
This may gradually open legal pathways for long-term immigrants like families, students, and digital nomads.
However meaningful impact would require maintaining net departures over an extended period.
For now, those seeking to enter or reside in the EU without refugee status or protected grounds face the same strict limitations.
Durable Shift Toward Net Outflows
Minister Camilleri described current policies as simultaneously “firm and fair,” granting protection for eligible claimants while removing those lacking grounds to remain.
The efforts have yielded a landmark shift toward net outflows of migrants that authorities will aim to continue in 2024.
However, officials emphasize a balanced approach respecting both humanitarian needs and enforcement requirements.