New Ħal Far Building to House Foreign Prisoners Before Deportation

Foreign nationals nearing the end of their prison sentences will be transferred from Corradino Correctional Facility to a newly equipped building in Ħal Far, before being deported from Malta.

The measure was announced through a Legal Notice published in the Government Gazette and is primarily aimed at strengthening security while addressing increasing pressure on Malta’s prison facilities.

The building forms part of the Detention Centre and has been specifically equipped with security arrangements and conditions similar to those available to the prisoners being transferred from Corradino.

Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield said the growing prison population is placing additional pressure on Corradino. According to the minister, an average of five people leave the facility each day, while around ten new inmates enter.

Bedingfield noted that Corradino was originally built by the British in 1850 and, despite construction and improvements carried out over the years, there are limits to what can be done within the existing structure.

The minister said discussions have taken place in recent weeks on how to improve facilities and conditions for incarcerated persons.

He stressed that further measures will be introduced to ensure security and appropriate conditions for prisoners, while fully respecting Malta’s legal obligations and European conventions.

The foreign nationals transferred to Ħal Far will be deported after completing their sentences.

#MaltaDaily