UNHCR visit to Peace Lab Halfar

April 30, 2008

The UNHCR delegation from Geneva and Rome visited the Peace Lab to hear the views of this non governmental organisation on the present situation of asylum seekers in Malta.

The UNHCR delegation led by Mr. Walter Irving met fr. Dionysius Mintoff o.f.m. director and Mr. Joe Abela co-ordinator of the Peace Lab and many youths.

Though the government is spearing no effort to help these youths to secure an independent future, fr. Mintoff explained that many difficulties are cropping up each day especially for the rejected cases.

At the moment there is no repatriation policy in Malta; however it will come some time in the future. The problems in Africa are too big and complicated to address here but it has to be realised that this situation will not go away. Simply sending someone back to the same circumstances means that they will likely try again. They could end up in Malta a second or third time.
Rejected people are given the permission to remain in Malta for three months at a time. They are provided accommodation at an open center and the daily allowance at a reduced rate. They can enter legal employment if they find an employer to complete the work permit application form.

They are free to leave the open center and find accommodation in Malta, become self sufficient and find employment, but again this is primarily in the illegal market place.
Thought should be given to equipping rejected people with skills relevant to their home situation thereby encouraging them to stay and build a life for themselves and their families.

Before leaving Mr. Irving wrote a shore message to the Peace Lab director and residents. It runs as follows ‘Thanks for your hospitality. Another visit to the Peace lab which never changes!, the wonderful gardens, the welcoming atmosphere and the many refugees who have obtained strong support. Always grateful to call on fr. Mintoff and to get a little of the magic and dynamism of your centre and home.