Gambian nationals were among a group of migrants arrested during a series of immigration enforcement operations carried out by Maltese authorities in several localities across the country.
According to police, the inspections were conducted between Wednesday night and Thursday morning in the towns of Ħamrun, Qormi, and St Paul’s Bay as part of ongoing efforts to identify individuals residing in Malta without legal authorization.
Authorities reported that Gambian nationals were among 19 people detained during the operations. In Ħamrun and Qormi, police arrested 10 individuals originating from Syria, Gambia, Ivory Coast, and Niger. A separate operation in St Paul’s Bay resulted in the detention of nine more people, including nationals of Albania, Syria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Gambia, and Mali.
While Maltese authorities did not disclose the exact number of Gambian citizens arrested, they confirmed that Gambians were among those found to be living in the country illegally.
The detained individuals have been transferred to a detention facility operated by Malta’s Detention Services Agency. Officials said they will remain in custody while arrangements are made for their repatriation to their respective countries.
The latest arrests come amid continued immigration enforcement efforts by Maltese authorities, who have intensified inspections in areas known to host significant migrant populations.
Malta, a key entry point into Europe for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, has faced ongoing challenges related to irregular migration.
The country regularly conducts inspections aimed at identifying foreign nationals who do not possess valid residency permits or legal immigration status.
