The ongoing trial of the way a massage parlour company allegedly forced one of its foreign workers into selling sexual services has revitalised the discussion on whether Malta is fast becoming a breeding ground for unregulated prostitution and human trafficking.

READ: Chinese woman was lured into prostitution by her Maltese employer

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said prostitution and human trafficking in Malta has been “shunted underground” but so far no offer of further action to tackle the growing issue has been proposed.

Prostitution itself is not illegal in Malta. However, brothels are illegal and it is against the law to loiter or solicit for prostitution in any place exposed to the public.

Reports of girls advertising their services as "masseurs" but doubling up as sex workers have been rife. The people behind their trade are often unknown. And the reports have been going on for years. 

Should so-called beauty parlours be regularised? Have you ever felt uncomfortable when you booked yourself a massage? Are there reasons to believe that many parlours are nothing more than a decoy for sexual services? We'd like to hear your opinion in the comments section below.