Ħal Far facility for foreign inmates nearing completion

Around 30 foreign nationals nearing the end of their prison sentences will soon be transferred to a new facility in Ħal Far ahead of their deportation, with development now in its final stages, the government said.

The facility was first announced by Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield in August as part of efforts to ease growing pressure on the Corradino Correctional Facility.

Bedingfield said that while around five inmates leave Corradino each day, another 10 are admitted. The prison is currently holding around 800 inmates.

He said discussions are also underway on improving conditions at Corradino, but noted that the prison was built by the British almost 200 years ago and that, despite upgrades carried out over the years, there are limits to what can be achieved within the existing infrastructure.

As part of efforts to address the pressure, the government decided to transfer a number of foreign inmates nearing the end of their sentences to a new facility within the Ħal Far Detention Centre, where they will remain ahead of their deportation to their countries of origin.

The facility, which is being repurposed by prison staff and inmates, will offer conditions comparable to those at Corradino while remaining part of the detention centre.

“Our priority is clear,” Bedingfield said. “We want to ensure safety within the correctional facilities while providing appropriate conditions for every incarcerated person.”

He said the measure is being implemented in full respect of Malta’s legal obligations and the European conventions to which the country is a signatory.

“Security and appropriate conditions are not a choice; they are our responsibility. We will continue working towards a correctional system that is safer, more efficient, and capable of responding to the challenges it faces,” the minister said.

Bedingfield also thanked those involved in the project for ensuring the facility could be brought into use without delay.

He particularly thanked police officers, saying their work in bringing more people to justice was also contributing to the increasing pressure on the prison system.

“We will continue to take the necessary measures to address the pressure on Corradino and keep investing in infrastructure that reflects today’s realities,” Bedingfield concluded.