Malta's border control with regard to irregular migration from Africa to the EU : an evaluation

Abstract

The last decade of the 20th century has been marked by periodic waves of irregular migrants traversing the Central Mediterranean Region, from North Africa to the European Union. The latter had to deal with undocumented migrants that could potentially threaten the security system of this supra-national state. Malta serves as a pivotal gateway at the Southern borders of Europe serving in most cases as a temporary hub for these 'boat people'. This entails irregular migrants who seek entry within any EU territory. Throughout the past years, particularly since 2002, Malta was highly sensitive to the flow of irregular migration. In view of its economic vulnerability, demographic pressures and geostrategic position, irregular migration posed acute border control and security challenges. Malta's efforts in tackling the issues of irregular migrants need to be directly backed up by the EU agency Frontex as well as securing the cooperation of states along the North African littoral, particularly of Libya. The scope of this thesis is to provide an overview of the assets and developments contributing to Malta's border control. An evaluation is carried out regarding the strength and weaknesses of Malta's border security strategy in ensuring security to the EU's southern borders. The Mediterranean Sea, which by tradition acted as both unifier as well as a barrier to its respective cultures, is still presenting novel challenges to regional security to be resolved.