Monday, November 07, 2005
After Paris
It was to be expected. As Mark has already pointed out, Malta’s far-rightists are having a field day and are gleefully hurling their ideological molotov cocktails all over the place after the Paris riots. Multiculturalism can’t work; multiculturalism is intrinsically wrong; this is what liberalism leads to. Wake up, Malta, they shout. But wait a minute guys. First of all, it would be very instructive should you care to follow the way in which French talk-shows and opinion columns are covering the events. Altro che Xarabank. But more importantly, did the Maltese government ever say that it was pursuing a liberal immigration policy? Did Michaeal Frendo or Lawrence Gonzi ever say that Malta would be a better place if it was more ‘multicultural’. Hardly. On the contrary. They seem to be doing their best to ship as many immigrants as possible out of the place while simply adhering to international obligations. We hardly risk emulating Brussels, London or Paris any time soon, guys, ne vous inquietez pas trop. Which obviously mans that those places are simply much more interesting, and less frustrating, to live in. But there you have it. In the meantime the liberal mob will just go on enjoying all the music, art, food and openness that multiculturalism has to offer. L-ikla t-tajba. ¶ 2:58 AM
It was to be expected. As Mark has already pointed out, Malta’s far-rightists are having a field day and are gleefully hurling their ideological molotov cocktails all over the place after the Paris riots. Multiculturalism can’t work; multiculturalism is intrinsically wrong; this is what liberalism leads to. Wake up, Malta, they shout. But wait a minute guys. First of all, it would be very instructive should you care to follow the way in which French talk-shows and opinion columns are covering the events. Altro che Xarabank. But more importantly, did the Maltese government ever say that it was pursuing a liberal immigration policy? Did Michaeal Frendo or Lawrence Gonzi ever say that Malta would be a better place if it was more ‘multicultural’. Hardly. On the contrary. They seem to be doing their best to ship as many immigrants as possible out of the place while simply adhering to international obligations. We hardly risk emulating Brussels, London or Paris any time soon, guys, ne vous inquietez pas trop. Which obviously mans that those places are simply much more interesting, and less frustrating, to live in. But there you have it. In the meantime the liberal mob will just go on enjoying all the music, art, food and openness that multiculturalism has to offer. L-ikla t-tajba. ¶ 2:58 AM
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I suppose "immigrants" in the il-Gens headline could include Cypriots and Australians. Or were they being skin-specific too? I don't know the details - don't follow il-Gens that much. Besides, it seems that most folks washing up on Malta would leave for greener pastures given the option. It's not like we've suddenly become every black man's El Dorado. More of a temporary (often involuntary) stepping stone it seems. To me it appears that the racist hot steam being spouted is a major over-reaction. It just proves many people are downright racist and little else.
Where will they live? Exactly where they are living at the moment, I should think. Or have you not realised that there are plenty of white immigrants in Malta? DOI publishes a list of foreigners with work permits... you can see for yourself. And this without taking into account the white undocumented migrants, who serve you at restaurants...
"Anonymous" posted this comment on Xifer, presumably since I decided to block anonymous comments on Lanzarote. I am copying it here and will answer it later. Thanks.
Anonymous qal/qalet...
Was going through the blogging scene...new experience for me...Im attaching a message I actually wanted to post on the lanzarote blogg...but since you all know each other perhaps its ok if I send it here...
First time I'm posting here. One blogg leads to another and it seems l'appetito vien mangiando...
I disagree with the ANR policies in so far as these are fascist (reason being that fascist mode of government election is anti-individual and pro-function)
However I don't think these persons have expressed any racist views. The group has never mentioned any particular race. On which grounds do you therefore call them racist? On hearsay? Because everyone is using that word without qualification? Maybe you would be so kind as to enlighten me?
I would like to add something to the 'after paris' blogg
Multiculturalism is certainly a good thing. At least so do I sincerely believe. Yet it is also true that the issue of illegal migration is
(1) not to be confused with the issue of refugee status. In this regard please do not think for one second that the refugee applications are being processed in a fair manner. I know (1st hand experience) that many persons aiding the refugee applicants and the person handling the applications are not making proper research, and are not affording adequate protection to those who really do qualify as refugees. (Also note in this regard that many maltese persons do not express anxiety in relation to refugees but rather at the boatloads of economic migrants - an economic migrant is not a refugee)
(2) on the agenda of many regional organisations including the EU and the UN. Annan set up a committee in 2003 in order to establish how migrants can be absorbed into other countries smoothly. A figure of 3 (or 8...sorry dont have a good memory...but I read this article on The Economist a few weeks ago)% per annum of the whole workforce was established (of course this figure does not take into consideration other factors such as population density and economic affluence). Other countries have also established policies when faced with a huge influx (e.g. germany in relation to Turkish persons).
The argument being made is that if discussions are taking place there is something wrong in avoiding them. It is truly not wise to stop any discussion regarding illegal migration from progressing simply by hurling the word racist. Racist or not, a country does well to establish a migrant policy, based on well formed arguments,accurate statistics and precise legal obligations (by the way I would really love to know which fool signed a convention which is ratified by only 24 countries worldwide and which is causing huge problems with repatriation...)
Also (as an aside) I was wondering whether any of you believe that a person such as Daphne Caruana Galizia, who is intolerant of persons who live within 10 miles, or who adhere to different political parties, or who simply have different 'interests' can be truly compassionate towards persons from a totally different culture? I am inclined towards believing that anyone who is truly compassionate is tolerant in all situations. I cannot believe her arguments. There is no proven track record that could indicate that she is a tolerant and compassionate person. Taking it further, I don't believe anyone, and particularly above the age of 30, in Malta has a clear track record of being tolerant. I personally believe the label hurling should be brought to an end and some effort put instead into arriving at some logical and humane conclusion. If someone asks a question such as 'where will they work (stagno)' I think that question is legitimate. If someone else asks 'why are the applications taking so long to be processed'...that is a legitimate question too. Besides questions are to be complemented by an answer/s.
Would appreciate your comments
Anonymous qal/qalet...
Was going through the blogging scene...new experience for me...Im attaching a message I actually wanted to post on the lanzarote blogg...but since you all know each other perhaps its ok if I send it here...
First time I'm posting here. One blogg leads to another and it seems l'appetito vien mangiando...
I disagree with the ANR policies in so far as these are fascist (reason being that fascist mode of government election is anti-individual and pro-function)
However I don't think these persons have expressed any racist views. The group has never mentioned any particular race. On which grounds do you therefore call them racist? On hearsay? Because everyone is using that word without qualification? Maybe you would be so kind as to enlighten me?
I would like to add something to the 'after paris' blogg
Multiculturalism is certainly a good thing. At least so do I sincerely believe. Yet it is also true that the issue of illegal migration is
(1) not to be confused with the issue of refugee status. In this regard please do not think for one second that the refugee applications are being processed in a fair manner. I know (1st hand experience) that many persons aiding the refugee applicants and the person handling the applications are not making proper research, and are not affording adequate protection to those who really do qualify as refugees. (Also note in this regard that many maltese persons do not express anxiety in relation to refugees but rather at the boatloads of economic migrants - an economic migrant is not a refugee)
(2) on the agenda of many regional organisations including the EU and the UN. Annan set up a committee in 2003 in order to establish how migrants can be absorbed into other countries smoothly. A figure of 3 (or 8...sorry dont have a good memory...but I read this article on The Economist a few weeks ago)% per annum of the whole workforce was established (of course this figure does not take into consideration other factors such as population density and economic affluence). Other countries have also established policies when faced with a huge influx (e.g. germany in relation to Turkish persons).
The argument being made is that if discussions are taking place there is something wrong in avoiding them. It is truly not wise to stop any discussion regarding illegal migration from progressing simply by hurling the word racist. Racist or not, a country does well to establish a migrant policy, based on well formed arguments,accurate statistics and precise legal obligations (by the way I would really love to know which fool signed a convention which is ratified by only 24 countries worldwide and which is causing huge problems with repatriation...)
Also (as an aside) I was wondering whether any of you believe that a person such as Daphne Caruana Galizia, who is intolerant of persons who live within 10 miles, or who adhere to different political parties, or who simply have different 'interests' can be truly compassionate towards persons from a totally different culture? I am inclined towards believing that anyone who is truly compassionate is tolerant in all situations. I cannot believe her arguments. There is no proven track record that could indicate that she is a tolerant and compassionate person. Taking it further, I don't believe anyone, and particularly above the age of 30, in Malta has a clear track record of being tolerant. I personally believe the label hurling should be brought to an end and some effort put instead into arriving at some logical and humane conclusion. If someone asks a question such as 'where will they work (stagno)' I think that question is legitimate. If someone else asks 'why are the applications taking so long to be processed'...that is a legitimate question too. Besides questions are to be complemented by an answer/s.
Would appreciate your comments
http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/workpermits/wplist/monthslast3.asp
That is the link to the DOI list of work permits.
I stressed the white only because, as far as I can make out, people tend to think of illegal immigrants as black, and particularly because the arguments about space are mainly made in the context of black immigrants, conveniently forgetting that immigrants are already a way of life in Malta. :)
That is the link to the DOI list of work permits.
I stressed the white only because, as far as I can make out, people tend to think of illegal immigrants as black, and particularly because the arguments about space are mainly made in the context of black immigrants, conveniently forgetting that immigrants are already a way of life in Malta. :)
Sorry got lazy and the comment box apparently does not wrap text... So here is the link properly:
work permits
work permits
Here's my reply to Anonymous:
1) My point was that the Maltese government is in no way implementing a lax immigration policy. Neither does it seem at all inclined to do so. It is simply ensuring that the basic human rights of persons arriving in Maltese territory are upheld while shipping as many persons as possible out of Malta when it can do so.
2) So the logical question must be: what exactly are the right-wing movements clamouring for? A denial of these persons' basic rights?
3) Imagine this (unlikely) scenario: several non-white EU citizens (French, British etc) take up jobs in Malta (to fill up the vacant posts left by the brain-drain in the medical field, for example). What would the right-wing movements say? Would they feel threatened? If one follows their argumentation, one is compelled to believe that they would have a problem with that scenario. The conclusion is obvious.
4) Finally, my point was that Malta is far from being the multicultural, cosmopolitan society that London, Paris, Brussels are. And yet the reaction has been hysterical at best. One must ask why.
5) Some individual reactions have been downright racist, yes. My fear is that other statements are also based on such feelings (without being as blatant as some of the contributors to maltafly, for instance).
1) My point was that the Maltese government is in no way implementing a lax immigration policy. Neither does it seem at all inclined to do so. It is simply ensuring that the basic human rights of persons arriving in Maltese territory are upheld while shipping as many persons as possible out of Malta when it can do so.
2) So the logical question must be: what exactly are the right-wing movements clamouring for? A denial of these persons' basic rights?
3) Imagine this (unlikely) scenario: several non-white EU citizens (French, British etc) take up jobs in Malta (to fill up the vacant posts left by the brain-drain in the medical field, for example). What would the right-wing movements say? Would they feel threatened? If one follows their argumentation, one is compelled to believe that they would have a problem with that scenario. The conclusion is obvious.
4) Finally, my point was that Malta is far from being the multicultural, cosmopolitan society that London, Paris, Brussels are. And yet the reaction has been hysterical at best. One must ask why.
5) Some individual reactions have been downright racist, yes. My fear is that other statements are also based on such feelings (without being as blatant as some of the contributors to maltafly, for instance).
1. My point was that the Maltese government is in no way implementing a lax immigration policy.
Not lax? Can you then explain why this Tunisian was kept in a detention centre in Malta? Didn't Tony Abela tell us that in such cases, these individuals are immediately deported/repatriated?
Not only did he not have the slightest chance of being granted a refugee status (he's from Tunisia... hello?!), but he also had a criminal past.
Is the government aware what such a move means to those waiting on the Libyan shores to embark?
2) So the logical question must be: what exactly are the right-wing movements clamouring for? A denial of these persons' basic rights?
In the light of the above, I would assume that the right-wing movements are only requesting that there is a just immigration policy. I can already anticipate your question: "What makes an immigration policy just, and how can we achieve such a policy?" That is definitely to be discussed, but I'm afraid there will never be a healthy discussion and the problem will never be solved diplomatically. In this country, any reference to facts or common sense is immediately labeled as "racism" and rejected. That won't really help.
3. Quite a number of Nigerian footballers are in possession of Maltese passports and thus have a "Maltese" nationality - so much that they even play in our national football team. Are they really Maltese? Oh please.
Little by little, European countries are starting to realise this too, especially as recent events (Paris is just one example) unfold. So I think we should wait to see the fate of the "several non-white EU citizens" (though it's certainly not an easy matter in countries with a colonial past) before assuming that hordes of them will come to Malta for employment.
Not lax? Can you then explain why this Tunisian was kept in a detention centre in Malta? Didn't Tony Abela tell us that in such cases, these individuals are immediately deported/repatriated?
Not only did he not have the slightest chance of being granted a refugee status (he's from Tunisia... hello?!), but he also had a criminal past.
Is the government aware what such a move means to those waiting on the Libyan shores to embark?
2) So the logical question must be: what exactly are the right-wing movements clamouring for? A denial of these persons' basic rights?
In the light of the above, I would assume that the right-wing movements are only requesting that there is a just immigration policy. I can already anticipate your question: "What makes an immigration policy just, and how can we achieve such a policy?" That is definitely to be discussed, but I'm afraid there will never be a healthy discussion and the problem will never be solved diplomatically. In this country, any reference to facts or common sense is immediately labeled as "racism" and rejected. That won't really help.
3. Quite a number of Nigerian footballers are in possession of Maltese passports and thus have a "Maltese" nationality - so much that they even play in our national football team. Are they really Maltese? Oh please.
Little by little, European countries are starting to realise this too, especially as recent events (Paris is just one example) unfold. So I think we should wait to see the fate of the "several non-white EU citizens" (though it's certainly not an easy matter in countries with a colonial past) before assuming that hordes of them will come to Malta for employment.
Those would be ALL foreign nationals who hold a work permit in Malta. Some could even be of Maltese extraction but who, for some reason, hold a foreign passport and require a work permit to work in Malta, although if you take a cursory look at the names, nearly all of them look foreign to me. The pity is that the list doesn not indicate the nationality of each person. I haven't counted them (yet) but will have to because the list forms part of some research I'm working on so I'll let you know when I do, hopefully soon...
But a quick way of doing it is to note that there are 42 pages for each section, ie 42 pages x 3 and then to work out the average of names per page. I'll find some later and do it. Watch this space :-) since David seems like us using his blog as a virtual zuntier.
But a quick way of doing it is to note that there are 42 pages for each section, ie 42 pages x 3 and then to work out the average of names per page. I'll find some later and do it. Watch this space :-) since David seems like us using his blog as a virtual zuntier.
Okay couldn't wait *lol* so did it quickly now... My rough calcuation is that there are 4,100 names on that list. Does that seem a lot to you, or a little? *curious* That last question is addressed to Guze or to anyone who cares to answer it.
I'm afraid you won't find any Hopleaf near this zuntier but you're more than welcome to exchange interesting notes. "Smajt x'qalet Sharon fuq l-immigranti, Guz?" ;-)
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