Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499169
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 MAY 2023 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Nationals of safe countries of origin can still be granted protection THE International Protection Agency wishes to clarify a number of claims concerning the national list of safe countries of origin in the International Protection Act, the accelerated proce- dure, and the asylum process for per- sons claiming to be LGBTIQ+. The fact that a third country is des- ignated as a safe country of origin does not mean that there cannot be individ- ual cases, or profiles, originating from such a country who might need inter- national protection. Indeed, it should be noted that there have been cases of nationals of safe countries of origin who have been granted international protection in Malta, including due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Applications lodged by persons com- ing from a safe country of origin are processed in accordance with the law, meaning that the International Protec- tion Agency processes these applica- tions within a shorter timeframe. Nev- ertheless, all procedural guarantees are applied in the same manner, including a personal interview and a full and thorough assessment of the protection needs claimed by the applicant. In 2020 the International Protection Agency adopted the Internal Guide- lines on procedures and the assessment of sexual orientation and/or gender identity claims to ensure the maximum level of protection to LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers. Asylum seekers originating from safe countries of origin are granted interna- tional protection if it is established that they have a well-founded fear of perse- cution or a real risk of suffering serious harm upon return. It should also be noted that both the accelerated procedure and the concept of safe countries of origin are duly recognised in the relevant EU direc- tives, and according to the Situational Update on the 'Safe Country of Origin' concept in EU+ countries published by the European Union Agency for Asylum in 2021 there were 22 EU+ countries who adopted lists of safe countries of origin. On the contrary to claims of low-quality assessment, the assessment carried out by the Agency is a com- prehensive and detailed one based on the various guidelines published by the European Union Agency for Asylum, and which considers not only the ap- plicant's credibility, but also his/her profile and the situation in his/her area of origin. Furthermore, before a deci- sion is issued this is always reviewed by one or more senior officers to ensure the quality and correctness of the de- cision. The International Protection Agency reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a swift, fair and efficient asylum proce- dure wherein persons who are eligible for international protection, regardless of their country of origin, are duly recognised as such. International Protection Agency Hamrun My response to Saviour Balzan's article I don't agree with Saviour that the press should be given government funding. I am being disadvantaged by this model. What the government should do is force banks to provide us with big and flexible credit lines and loans which we can use to grow our businesses - this equalises the playing field because it brings more capitalism and meritocracy in our industry in contrast to having an industry pumped up by government contacts, support and funding that rewards allies and punishes critics whilst also serving as a barrier of entry to new entrants in the industry. This is very simple. The less money the Maltese press receives from the government, the more I will grow at their expense due to the barrier of entry that these government subsidies have created in the industry. We need private credit, not public funds. Having said that I remain a friend to Saviour and respect him as someone who did a net benefit in the industry over the long haul. This doesn't mean I am going to agree with him or support his business model. I am technically also on a competing level with him and I can do this respectfully. Mark Camilleri Via email