VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has doubled the minimum on-the-spot fine for tourists from €25 to €50 under a legal notice that came into force on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the measure, describing it as another step towards ensuring greater order and respect for local communities. He said effective enforcement of the law benefits everyone and pledged that the government would continue taking decisions to uphold public order.
The on-the-spot fines were introduced last month to address concerns over antisocial behaviour by tourists, particularly in Malta’s busiest tourist areas.
The penalties apply only to non-habitual residents, including visitors who are neither Maltese citizens nor holders of a Maltese residence document.
Under the legislation, tourists who refuse to pay an on-the-spot fine immediately may have their passports or identity cards confiscated by police until the penalty is settled.
The measures follow a series of videos shared on social media during the summer showing tourists disturbing residents and breaking the law.
Last month, Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield also announced that non-residents who receive an on-the-spot fine, or multiple fines totalling at least €200, could be deported from Malta before the end of their holiday.
A legal notice empowers the Principal Immigration Officer to revoke a visitor’s permission to remain in Malta if, after assessing the circumstances, the person’s presence is considered contrary to public order, public security or the public interest.
– Photo Doi –
(ITALPRESS).
