Latest update: 10/07/2009 

- European Union - France - immigration - Malta - refugees


Refugees arrive in France under EU scheme
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Ninety-two refugees arrived for a new life in France on Thursday under a pilot EU relocation scheme, aimed at spreading the burden of immigration around Europe.
By FRANCE 24 (text)
Luke SHRAGO / Nicolas RANSOM (video)

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Ninety-two refugees were welcomed into France on Thursday under a pilot EU relocation scheme, aimed at spreading the burden of immigration around Europe. Some of the immigrants have been waiting for a final decision for years on the island of Malta.

 

Now in France, they're planning new lives.  "I'm so happy. You just can't imagine how happy I am. It's the end of a long journey and above all the beginning of my life," said Mohammed Sala from Somalia.

 

Many of the refugees are from Africa, but others come from as far away as Sri Lanka. The new arrivals will be set up in reception centres across northern France, where they will receive support while making a transition to a new life.

 

It's the first time such resettling at the heart of the EU has taken place.

 

Comments (1)

thank you

by Anonyme (not verified) - 10/07/2009 - 05:27

Thankyou France for helping the poor people of Africa

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