34 People Detained After Being Found Living And Working In Malta Illegally

Thirty-four people have been detained by police after being found living in Malta in breach of immigration laws.

The operation took place on Friday morning and was carried out by the Malta Police Force with the assistance of officials from the Detention Services Agency.

Inspections were conducted on public transport and in public spaces across Blata l-Bajda and Rabat.

Those detained are nationals of Nigeria, India, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Authorities said the individuals are being held at a detention centre while arrangements are made for their return either to their country of origin or to another country where they are legally permitted to reside.

Police said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts targeting breaches of immigration laws, illegal employment and abuse of regulations.

The authorities confirmed that similar inspections and enforcement actions will continue in the coming days and weeks.

Meanwhile, two men who had been living irregularly in Malta were recently returned to their country of origin in East Africa after removal and return orders were issued against them.

The men were also banned from re-entering the Schengen Area and remained in detention until the return process was completed.

What do you make of these enforcement operations?

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Dylan Attard

Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series or doomscrolling.