The government says Malta cannot guarantee rescues at sea
Malta is not in a position to guarantee the rescue of migrants and will not allow any further disembarkation of rescued persons, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said on Thursday.
The announcement came as the Armed Forces rescued a group of migrants found in Malta's search and rescue zone. They are due to reach Malta at around 12.30am on Friday morning will be kept in detention.
In a statement, the government said no further disembarkation of migrants would be allowed in Malta, independently of whether the migrants were rescued by NGO vessels or other craft.
It said the announcement was being made so that migrants planning to head towards Malta would be aware of the risks they faced.
"It is in the interest and responsibility of such people not to endanger themselves on a risky voyage to a country which is not in a position to offer them a secure harbour," the government said.
It said the decision was being taken in view of the risk of the spreading of COVID-19 and the fact that the forces of law and order were otherwise engaged on duties related to containment of the virus.
It pointed out that over the years Malta had been under immense pressure and had rescued thousands of migrants, with little tangible help.
The announcement came 24 hours after Italy closed all its ports, saying its harbours could not be considered safe in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Malta is not in a position to guarantee the rescue of migrants and will not allow any further disembarkation of rescued persons, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said on Thursday.
The announcement came as the Armed Forces rescued a group of migrants found in Malta's search and rescue zone. They are due to reach Malta at around 12.30am on Friday morning will be kept in detention.
In a statement, the government said no further disembarkation of migrants would be allowed in Malta, independently of whether the migrants were rescued by NGO vessels or other craft.
It said the announcement was being made so that migrants planning to head towards Malta would be aware of the risks they faced.
"It is in the interest and responsibility of such people not to endanger themselves on a risky voyage to a country which is not in a position to offer them a secure harbour," the government said.
It said the decision was being taken in view of the risk of the spreading of COVID-19 and the fact that the forces of law and order were otherwise engaged on duties related to containment of the virus.
It pointed out that over the years Malta had been under immense pressure and had rescued thousands of migrants, with little tangible help.
The announcement came 24 hours after Italy closed all its ports, saying its harbours could not be considered safe in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.