Sliema Crash: How Did a Man Drive Without a Valid Residence Permit?

Imagine this: A car speeds down Tower Road in Sliema, Malta’s bustling seaside town. Suddenly, it mounts the pavement, causing chaos and injury. The driver, a man from Libya, is arrested. But here’s the twist – he held a Maltese driving licence despite not having a valid residence permit. How did this happen?

Licence Issued Despite Residency Gap

Records show that the man, named as Mohammed M., was issued a Maltese driving licence in 2019. However, his residence permit had expired in 2018. So, how was he able to renew his licence? The Malta Police Force confirms that the driving licence was renewed, but they couldn’t comment on the specifics due to ongoing investigations.

Under Maltese law, a valid residence permit is required to apply for a driving licence. The permit serves as proof of identity and address. Without it, one should not be able to renew their licence. Yet, Mohammed M. managed to do so, raising questions about the licensing process.

Residency Permit Renewal Delays

Delays in residence permit renewals have been a long-standing issue in Malta. Many expats and immigrants face difficulties due to bureaucratic hurdles and backlogs. Mohammed M.’s case might be a symptom of this larger problem.

Take, for instance, the case of Maria, a Brazilian national living in Msida. She told Hot Malta, “I’ve been waiting for my residence card renewal for over six months. I’ve missed work and appointments because of this. I can’t understand why it’s taking so long.”

Impact on Road Safety and Public Trust

The Sliema crash has sparked public outrage. Many are questioning how such a situation could occur. Road safety advocates argue that ensuring valid licences and residence permits is crucial to prevent such incidents.

Dr. Joseph Mizzi, a road safety expert, commented, “This is a serious lapse in our system. It undermines public trust and puts everyone’s safety at risk. We need to tighten controls and ensure that only those with valid permits can drive.”

The Malta Police Force has assured the public that they are investigating the matter thoroughly. They have also reminded the public that driving without a valid residence permit is a serious offence.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear – this incident has exposed a crack in our system that needs to be fixed. It’s not just about Mohammed M. anymore; it’s about ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone.

If you’ve faced issues with residence permit renewals, we’d like to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@hotmalta.com.