Update 2 | Opposition 'not against' residency and visa programme

The launch of a new scheme regulating the issuance of residence permits and visas “is not enough to fight institutionalized corruption”, PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said.

The government today issued a legal notice by which residency permits and visas are to be issued. Among other requirements, agents and accredited persons representing applicants risk losing their warrants if irregularities are found or if proper due diligence was not carried out.

The publication of the legal notice comes as auditor Joe Sammut is facing charges of aiding Libyan nationals obtain a residency permit by creating fake companies.

According to parliamentary secretary José Herrera, who consulted the Opposition in the drafting of the legislation, due diligence has doubled. Herrera reiterated that those who are criminally responsible must shoulder responsibility over the visa scandal. The case is being handled by the police, he added

Fenech Adami insisted that the government must take steps against those who helped Sammut.

“The government must identify the individuals in the public institutions who were part of this web of institutionalised corruption in helping the PL’s former treasurer,” he said.

He also said that “the hundreds of persons” allegedly residing in Malta should be traced and their visas and permits should be withdrawn.

“The issuance of visas and residency permit to foreigners have serious consequences on national security and the international reputation of our country,” Fenech Adami said, adding that the government will delay a meeting of the security service by three weeks.

In a reaction, the parliamentary secretariat questioned whether the Opposition was “split or confused”.

“Several meetings were held with the Opposition, specifically with PN deputy leader Mario de Marco. Regular consultations between Herrera and De Marco took place,” it said, adding that the Opposition had signaled its agreement with the programme.

“The Opposition presented its proposals, some of which were taken onboard.”

In a second statement issued by the two deputy leaders, the Opposition said it wasn’t against the programme launched today.

“The Opposition insists that corruption can’t be solved via the launch of a new scheme but by government taking action against corruption and individuals in public institutions who helped Sammut,” Fenech Adami and De Marco said.

“This scandal is proof of institutionalized corruption.”