Tourists fined €200 could be ordered to leave Malta under new rules
MHRA backs measure, saying anti-social behaviour risks damaging the country’s tourism reputation
Visitors and other people who do not normally live in Malta could be ordered to leave the country after receiving on-the-spot fines totalling €200 or more, under new regulations announced by the government.
Cases involving non-habitual residents who receive such fines will be referred to the Principal Immigration Officer, who will assess whether the person’s continued presence is contrary to public order, public security or the public interest.
The officer may withdraw the person’s permission to remain in Malta and order their removal before the end of their holiday or stay, according to the Home Affairs and Security Ministry.
Anyone affected will have the right to appeal before the competent tribunal within one working day of being notified of the decision.
Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield said Malta would remain an open and welcoming country but would not tolerate visitors who abused its hospitality or disrupted public order.
“Those who choose to break the law or create a danger to public safety should know that they will face immediate consequences, including removal from Malta before the end of their holiday,” he said.
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association welcomed the measure, saying it sent a timely message that unacceptable behaviour would not be tolerated.
MHRA president Tony Zahra said visitors should be able to enjoy what Malta had to offer but must respect local laws, public order and host communities.
“Those who deliberately engage in anti-social behaviour should understand that there are consequences for their actions,” he said.
The association said disruptive behaviour by a small minority of visitors could affect residents, damage Malta’s international reputation and undermine tourism operators working to provide a high-quality experience.
It said the measure was consistent with its calls for a tourism model that prioritised quality over quantity and placed greater emphasis on respect for Malta’s cultural heritage, public spaces and residents.