Maltese visa scam for Algerian and Libyan citizens raised in European Parliament
A French MEP has raised the matter in the European Parliament. This is the translation:
Investigations are currently being conducted in Malta concerning abuse related to the issuing of residence permits to Libyan nationals by the Maltese government. The case involves massive fraud including the forgery of official documents.
Recently the Maltese press reported a similar situation that occurred with Algerian nationals who obtained Maltese visas to travel to other States in the Schengen area without spending more than a few hours on Maltese soil. If irregularities were committed by the Maltese government, it undermines and weakens considerably the Schengen area to which I am deeply committed.
As we work to strengthen the external borders of the Schengen area, and migration and security are main concerns of European citizens, can the European Commission consider opening an investigation to determine whether the practices Malta are in line with the Schengen rules? Can the European Commission also assess whether the practices of the Maltese administration issuing visas raise questions related to homeland security?
