The boat that brought 60 African migrants to Malta capsized near the Mediterranean island on Friday, bringing one of the largest groups to arrive in recent times.

The group was "rescued" by Maltese military boats and landed at Bugibba 10 miles north-east of Valletta. Witnesses reported that several ambulances as well as many police officers were present. They were seen in blankets. Some migrants were carried away on stretchers. Rescue officials reported that one of the arriving patients was in a 'poor medical condition.

In 2024, there were only 200 migrants arriving on small boats to Malta compared with more than 2000 in 2020. Most migrants leave Libya and head for Italy.

At a meeting held in Malta on the 29th of November, ministers for home affairs from Cyprus, Greece Italy, Spain, and Malta stated that strengthening relations between countries of origin and transit is "key" to combating irregular migration.

Byron Camilleri, Minister of Maltese home affairs, said at the meeting that "our position is to rescue people. You will be granted asylum if you qualify. "If you don't deserve asylum, you will be sent home."

Malta's migrants arrive mainly on flights from Italy, and many overstay or work irregularly.

Malta is working with Libya to stop migrants from leaving and has trained its coast guard. Camilleri told the ministers that in November, every voyage undertaken by irregular asylum seekers carried a death risk. "By working with Libya, and preventing crossings we are also able to save lives."

He said, "Europe must decide who enters." (Reporting and editing by Toby Chopra; Reporting by Chris Scicluna)

(source: Reuters)