Nonetheless, the figures also show that since 2021, the government has stepped up its efforts to curb arrivals and drastically increase the number of irregular migrants returned to their country of origin. The highest number of irregular migrants was recorded in 2019 when 3,405 people arrived in Malta, followed by 2020 when 2,281 migrant arrivals were recorded. Human rights activists have criticised the deal because intercepted migrants are returned to Libya, which is deemed unsafe. The figures show that 1,130 irregular migrants were deported since 2011. The number of irregular arrivals pales into insignificance when one considers that since 2013, Malta’s population increased rapidly with the importation of more than 100,000 foreign workers and dependents.

Source: Libya Today November 26, 2024 05:03 UTC