Serbian Convicts’ Departure: A New Chapter for Malta

In the quiet hours of a recent morning, a chartered flight took off from Malta International Airport, carrying with it a chapter of the island’s immigration story. On board were 27 Serbian men, their journey marked by a stark contrast: from Maltese prisons to the familiar streets of Belgrade.

These men, aged between 25 and 45, had served their time in Malta’s correctional facilities. Their crimes? Drug trafficking and robberies that had once through the peaceful Mediterranean nation. Now, they were returning home, their deportation a result of a bilateral agreement between Malta and Serbia.

For the men, the process began with a knock on their cell doors. They were informed of their impending departure, a mix of emotions washing over them – relief at returning home, anxiety about the future. They were transferred to Corradino Correctional Facility, Malta’s largest prison, where they spent their final days in the island nation.

On the day of their departure, a convoy of prison vans made its way to the airport, a stark reminder of the men’s past. They were escorted by officers from the Malta Prison Service and the Malta Police Force, a show of strength and control that belied the underlying sentiment of closure.

Malta’s decision to deport these convicts reflects the government’s tough stance on crime. “We are sending a clear message,” a government spokesperson told Hot Malta. “Crime does not pay, and those who commit serious offenses will face the consequences, including deportation.”

Yet, the process is not without its complexities. The government has been criticized for not providing adequate support to these individuals upon their return to Serbia. In response, the government has pledged to work with Serbian authorities to ensure a smooth reintegration process.

the deportation raises questions about Malta’s immigration policies. While the government maintains a tough stance on crime, it also advocates for humane treatment of migrants. The deportation of these convicts, many of whom have spent years in Malta, adds a new layer to this complex debate.

For the Serbian men, their departure marks a new beginning. They return to Serbia with the hope of rebuilding their lives, a task that will not be easy. For Malta, their departure signals a closure, a chance to move forward, to focus on the future.

As Malta continues to grapple with immigration issues, the deportation of these convicts serves as a reminder of the complex nature of the problem. It underscores the need for a balanced approach, one that is tough on crime but also humane, one that looks beyond punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration.

As one of the deported men, who wished to remain anonymous, told Hot Malta, “Malta has been my home for many years. I have made mistakes, but I have also learned from them. Now, I look forward to going back, to starting over.”