Malta’s Police: Guardians of the Aegean

Imagine, if you will, the rugged coastline of Xemxija, where the Maltese police officers you see patrolling Republic Street are also trained to navigate the treacherous waters of the Aegean Sea. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but a reality that has seen Malta’s law enforcement playing a crucial role in Europe’s immigration crisis.

In the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has long been a transit point for migrants seeking a better life in Europe. The Maltese police, with their extensive maritime experience, have been seconded to Greece to assist in immigration patrols and rescue operations. This exchange program, facilitated by the European Union’s Frontex agency, has seen Maltese officers stationed in Greek islands like Lesbos and Samos.

Among them is Sergeant Mario Xuereb, a seasoned officer from the Malta Police Marine Unit, who has spent several months in Lesbos. “The challenges are immense,” he says, “but the satisfaction of saving lives and making a difference is unparalleled.”

Malta’s officers have been involved in numerous high-profile operations. In one instance, they assisted in the rescue of over 300 migrants from a sinking boat off the coast of Lesbos. Their expertise in handling small boats and their familiarity with the Mediterranean’s volatile weather conditions have proven invaluable.

However, their role is not limited to rescue operations. Maltese officers have also been involved in repatriation efforts, escorting migrants back to their countries of origin. This delicate task requires a balance of firmness and compassion, a trait that Sergeant Xuereb believes is inherent in Maltese policing.

While Malta’s officers are making a difference abroad, their absence at home is also felt. The Malta Police Force has had to adjust its deployment strategies to accommodate these secondments. However, the experience gained by these officers is invaluable, with many returning to Malta with enhanced skills and a broader perspective.

the exchange program has fostered a spirit of cooperation between the Maltese and Greek police forces. Joint training exercises and information sharing have strengthened ties between the two countries, benefiting both nations in their shared struggle against illegal immigration.

Back in Malta, the police force continues to prepare for these international deployments. The Marine Unit, based in the historic Grand Harbour, remains at the forefront of this training. Their state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous drills ensure that Malta’s officers are ready to face any challenge, be it in the Mediterranean or the Aegean.