ON THE SPOT FINES FOR NON RESIDENTS TO COME INTO FORCE FOLLOWING LEGAL NOTICE PUBLICATION

Foreign nationals who do not habitually reside in Malta will soon face immediate on-the-spot fines for offences committed while in the country, following the publication of a new legal notice.

Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Beddingfield announced that he had signed the legal notice, which will now be published in the Government Gazette. Within 24 hours of its publication, Police officers and LESA officials will be authorised to issue fines and request immediate payment from non-residents who breach the law.

The new regulations were originally expected to come into force from 1 June, but their implementation was delayed during the election period.

The measure introduces a system where Police officers, LESA officials and Environment and Resources Authority officers can collect electronic payments directly from offenders at the time of the offence.

Authorities said the move aims to address a long-standing challenge where some non-residents left Malta without settling outstanding penalties. The system is intended to ensure greater enforcement and improve the collection of fines issued to visitors and other temporary residents.

Writing on Facebook, Justice Minister Clifton Grima said the measure will close a legal loophole that had allowed some tourists to avoid paying fines, while still safeguarding everyone’s right to challenge penalties through the proper legal procedures.

#MaltaDaily