The international regulation and control of the transport and trafficking of migrants : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

The current trends clearly indicate that mass and illegal immigration will be one of the most serious threats to the social stability and national security of advanced nations in the foreseeable future. Dependence on established sources of information, such as the national intelligence apparatus, the armed forces and national law enforcement agencies, has not proved effective. The ability to effectively deal with the problem is beyond the capacity of any single nation. It will require collaborative efforts between governments, even those who do not traditionally enjoy good relations. This realisation has prompted international organisations, such as the United Nations, the International Maritime Organisation and the European Union, to take action, and in the process to urge their Member States to harmonise their national legislation with existing or proposed international legal instruments. The aim of this dissertation is to examine these international legal instruments with a view to highlighting the need for reform in the relevant Maltese legislation.