VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has expressed serious concern over allegations of fraud in Maltàs residence permit system. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson highlighted the potential security risks to the Schengen area posed by the alleged fraudulent scheme. “The European Commission does not have general powers to intervene in individual cases, nor does it have law enforcement powers in criminal matters or the competence to intervene in the day-to-day activities of an individual Member Statès administration or judiciary,” Johansson said, responding to nationalist MEP David Casa, adding that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation, also in light of the forthcoming conclusions of ongoing investigations. Johansson stressed that under EU law on legal immigration, fraudulently obtained residence permits must be withdrawn. The investigation stems from allegations of a large-scale scheme involving the fraudulent issuance of around 18,000 identity cards to third-country nationals, mainly from Egypt and Libya. The scandal has sparked intense political debate in Malta, with opposition parties and civil society organisations calling for the resignation of the Interior Minister, Byron Camilleri.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo credit: Agenzia Fotogramma-
