Gambians were among 34 migrants detained by Maltese authorities during a major immigration enforcement operation carried out across parts of Malta on Friday.
The operation, conducted by the Malta Police Force with support from the Detention Services Agency, targeted individuals suspected of violating the country’s immigration regulations. Inspections were carried out on public transport networks and in public areas in Blata l-Bajda and Rabat.
According to Maltese authorities, those detained include nationals of The Gambia, Nigeria, India, Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Officials said the individuals were found to be residing in Malta in breach of the country’s immigration laws.
The migrants are currently being held at a detention centre while arrangements are made for their return either to their countries of origin or to other countries where they are legally permitted to reside.
The latest operation highlights the continued challenges facing some Gambians living in Europe, particularly those whose residency status may have expired or who have fallen foul of immigration regulations.
Maltese authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration, unlawful employment and the abuse of residency rules. They added that similar inspections and enforcement actions will continue in the coming days and weeks.
The crackdown comes as several European countries intensify measures aimed at enforcing immigration laws and returning individuals found to be residing irregularly within their territories.
Authorities did not disclose the number of Gambians detained or provide details about the identities of those involved.
