VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Visitors and other non-habitual residents who receive on-the-spot fines totalling €200 or more could be ordered to leave Malta under new government regulations.
The new rules require such cases to be referred to the Principal Immigration Officer, who will determine whether the individual’s continued stay is contrary to public order, public security or the public interest.
If deemed necessary, the officer may revoke the person’s permission to remain in Malta and order their removal before the end of their visit.
Those affected will be able to appeal the decision before the competent tribunal within one working day of notification.
Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield said Malta would remain welcoming to visitors but would not tolerate behaviour that threatened public safety or disrupted public order.
He warned that tourists who broke the law or endangered others could face immediate removal from the country.
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) welcomed the measure, saying it reinforced the message that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
MHRA president Tony Zahra said visitors should respect local laws, communities and public spaces while enjoying Malta.
The association added that misconduct by a small minority of tourists could harm residents, damage Malta’s reputation and undermine efforts to promote a high-quality tourism sector focused on quality rather than quantity.
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(ITALPRESS).
