The Identity Agency of Malta has denied allegations that the authority has issued identity cards to foreigners in the country under irregular status.
A statement on the matter by the Identity Agency was issued following a report published by Net News, which said that the agency granted identity cards to thousands of foreigners who were staying in the country irregularly.
Rejecting the claims, the Identity Agency clarified that the authority grants identity cards only to individuals who have Maltese nationality, Schengen.
The same authority further explained that foreign nationals who legally reside and work in Malta are granted residence permits or another similar document through ehich foreigners are able to prove that they have the right to stay in the country.
In addition to the above-mentioned, the Identity Agency also revealed that an internal investigation has taken place.
It was not disclosed exactly what else the investigation included, but it was stressed that the gathered information, including evidence on some individuals, was passed to the police of Malta in order for the authority to take necessary steps in line with the country’s law.
According to the agency, additional measures will be taken when there is suspicion of irregularities, and if there are any reports, the information will be passed on to the relevant authorities.
In light of the claims made in the report, the Identity Agency pledged that it would not allow any irregularities in the system, especially when it comes to the regularisation of migrants.
To avoid irregularities, the authority said that it will continue its cooperation with the other authorities and will conduct investigations whenever needed.
The Identity Agency is currently undergoing an audit. Despite this, it said that it remains committed to investigating any case that may raise suspicions.
Source : https://schengen.news/maltas-identity-agency-denies-allegations-of-having-issued-id-cards-to-irregular-migrants/
