Illegal migration and border (in)security in the Mediterranean : the case study of Malta

Abstract

International migration is a very important global issue because in one way or another it affects all states of the world, as they play their role as sending, transit or destination country for migrants. In the European continent, international migration has been at the top of its agenda, with more specific emphasis on irregular migration. Since the late 1980s, the Mediterranean Sea has become an important gateway for irregular migrants coming from the Middle East and North African region to enter the European Union. Since the turn of the millennium, the European Union has had to deal with the arrival of thousands of undocumented migrants. There are several pathways, where irregular border crossings take place. In the Southern borders of Europe, the trend is that of 'boat people', that is migrants that choose to seek entry into a foreign territory by sea. Located at a strategic point in the Mediterranean and being a Member State of the European Union, Malta is represented as one of the countries which have largely felt the impact of irregular migration flows travelling via maritime routes. Being a small island, Malta constantly feels under pressure, when dealing with irregular immigrants due to its lack of resources to accommodate the incoming large flows of foreign people. At the same time, Malta's location in the Mediterranean is of importance to the Union, especially with regards to the Joint Operations of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union. Today, irregular maritime migration has decreased, compared to the numbers between 2002 and 2008. Nevertheless, the issue of irregular migration is still perceived to challenge the policy-makers of the Union and the national Governments of the Member States. Hence, the EU has emphasized the importance for the Member States to join together and participate in combating irregular migration by promoting the need for more policies of an integrated border management and control.