In London, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri held talks with Secretary of State for the Home Department of the United Kingdom James Cleverly. The meeting focused on cooperation and information sharing between the two countries in the fight against organised crime, cooperation between the Maltese Police Force and the National Police Chiefs Council of England and Wales (NPCC) and the National Crime Agency, and greater cooperation on irregular immigration, the fight against human traffickers, and the return of failed asylum seekers to their country of origin.
Minister Byron Camilleri and Secretary of State James Cleverly discussed the strengthening of the relationship between the Maltese and British Police Forces that has been built over recent years to break up organised crime circles, mainly through the sharing of information and other proactive measures for the greater security of the people of both countries. This work also leads to Malta having a Police Force that continues to reflect the needs of a modern and dynamic society, working in the heart of the community.
The meeting also focused on irregular immigration, a topical issue at the top of the agenda of the Government of the United Kingdom. Minister Byron Camilleri explained that Malta has taken several measures in this area, including legislative changes, to ensure a more solid and fair migration system locally and internationally. The Minister also explained how the Maltese authorities have worked closely with key third countries, including countries of origin and transit, to reduce irregular arrivals and lives lost at sea. Minister Camilleri explained how changes were made to make the system fair towards those who deserve protection while ensuring that necessary measures are taken concerning those who do not have the right to stay in Malta. These changes took the form of legislative amendments and investment in the asylum process, particularly with the establishment of the International Protection Agency and a considerable reduction in the number of pending asylum applications. The Minister also noted how a Returns Unit was established within the Ministry to focus on returns to the countries of origin of those persons who are not eligible for protection.
Secretary of State James Cleverly also spoke in detail about matters related to irregular immigration. Minister Cleverly concluded by acknowledging the commitment of the Maltese Government to reduce irregular arrivals, with the consequence that secondary movements from Malta to Europe and the United Kingdom were also significantly reduced.
The visit to London proceeded with meetings with UK Government technical experts in the mentioned fields and with visits to British security coordination centres, the main ones being those managed by the National Agency of Criminality. During these visits, Minister Byron Camilleri was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Joyce Dimech, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta Clinton O’Neill, Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà, and other officials in the security field. The Maltese security authorities saw the coordination work carried out by British entities, including internal dissemination of information.
Photos: MHSR
