Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, attended the Informal Home Affairs Council meeting in Cyprus on 22 January 2026, which focused on migration and Schengen issues.
He emphasised that an effective return system is central to migration policy and should include counselling, lawful detention and voluntary return pathways. He also highlighted Malta’s recent efforts, including the return of 48 irregular migrants within 17 days in December 2025, and stressed the importance of reintegration in countries of origin as part of a broader strategic approach.
According to the ministry's press release, Malta has seen concrete results, with irregular arrivals down by 93% compared to 2019 and 83% of irregular arrivals returned to their country of origin in 2025.
- Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment (23 January, 2026), [PR260104en: Press Release by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment],