Be the first to comment!Non-residents who break the law can be removed from Malta before holiday ends
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Through a new Legal Notice, non-residents who incur a fine or on-the-spot fine of €200 or more will have their case referred to the Chief Immigration Officer.
?“We must not allow anyone to abuse our hospitality.” This was stated by Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield as a Legal Notice was published strengthening measures in favour of public order, public security or the public interest.
After considering the circumstances of the case, the Chief Immigration Officer will be able to determine whether the presence of that person in Malta is contrary to public order, public security or the public interest. In such cases, he may withdraw the person’s permission to remain in Malta and order their removal from the country before their holiday ends.
Minister Glenn Bedingfield said, “Malta remains an open, welcoming and safe country. We welcome with open arms all visitors who choose our country every year and who respect our laws and communities.”
He added that, ”however, we cannot and will not accept that a small number of people abuse our hospitality, behave irresponsibly and disrupt public peace. Those who choose to break the law or pose a danger to public safety should know that they will face immediate consequences, including being removed from Malta before the end of their holiday. This is a common sense measure that protects residents, visitors who abide by the rules and the reputation of our country.”
Minister Bedingfield said that this measure ”further strengthens the Government’s commitment to public order and security, while maintaining a balance between the hospitality that distinguishes Malta and the need to hold those who abuse it accountable for their actions.”
It was explained that the Legal Notice also provides procedural guarantees, whereby any person affected by such a decision will have the right to appeal before the competent Tribunal within one working day of notification of the decision.
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