In recent hours, the Immigration Police led a return operation to Syria for a man who committed a homicide in the limits of Selmun, Mellieħa, in 2007. The man, now aged 43, served an effective prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2010 to the murder of another man and to causing extensive damage to the victim's vehicle. The individual had been in Malta since 2003.​​

After serving his prison sentence, the man remained in custody at a detention centre run by the Detention Services Agency while work related to his deportation from the country was finalized. This was made possible after the International Protection Agency turned down two requests for international protection made by the man.

Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment Byron Camilleri emphasised that the deportation of individuals who have committed such grave and violent crimes is a matter of significant public interest. "Our society has an inherent interest in ensuring that criminals who pose a threat to the peace and security of our communities are removed from the country once they have settled their debt to justice and served their prison sentence."

"Today's message is clear: there are clear and achievable consequences for foreigners who commit crime in Malta. This action reinforces our policy that foreign nationals who abuse our laws and commit serious crimes forfeit their right to remain in Malta and will be deported," Minister Camilleri stated.

The Ministry remains dedicated to a just system that assists those in genuine need while continuing the rigorous enforcement of deportation orders for individuals who undermine the safety of the Maltese public or do not have the legal right to stay in our country.

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