Valletta, Malta - A group of 33 would-be illegal immigrants landed Wednesday afternoon on Malta's tiny island of Gozo, local officials reported.

The immigrants, 32 men and one woman, arrived in a small boat and were being held by the police.

The topic of illegal immigration is topping the list of concerns in Malta's opinion polls ahead of June's European elections. Malta has applauded Italy's decision of sending back to Libya any immigrants saved at sea.(dpa)