Malta’s Sunrise Operation: 108 Arrested for Illegal Stay

In the early hours of Tuesday, a massive police operation codenamed ‘Sunrise’ swept across Malta, leaving 108 individuals in custody for overstaying their welcome in our sunny islands. The scale of the operation was rare in recent years, with police and immigration officials descending on homes and workplaces from St. Julian’s to Zebbug.

Operation Sunrise: The Dawn Raids

Operation Sunrise began before dawn, with over 200 police officers and immigration officials fanning out across Malta. Armed with warrants, they targeted properties known to house individuals suspected of staying in Malta illegally. The operation was a culmination of months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to a senior police official who spoke to Hot Malta on condition of anonymity.

“We wanted to send a clear message,” the official said. “Malta is a welcoming country, but we will not tolerate people overstaying their visas or abusing our hospitality.”

St. Julian’s to Zebbug: A Tale of Two Cities

St. Julian’s, known for its vibrant nightlife and tourist hotspots, was one of the main areas targeted in the operation. Here, police raided several apartments and hotels, arresting a mix of Europeans and Africans. In contrast, the quiet town of Zebbug in the south of Malta saw a more subdued scene. Here, police focused on a few specific properties, rounding up a group of Asian nationals.

Among those arrested was a 35-year-old man from Nigeria, who had been living in Malta for over five years. He had originally entered the country on a student visa but had since been working illegally. “I didn’t know what to do,” he told Hot Malta through a interpreter. “I was scared to leave because I didn’t want to go back to Nigeria. I thought I could just stay here and find a way to regularize my status.”

What Happens Next?

Those arrested in Operation Sunrise will be taken to the Hal Far Immigration Detention Centre while their cases are processed. They face potential deportation, fines, and even a ban from re-entering Malta. The operation has sparked a wave of concern among Malta’s migrant community, with many fearing a crackdown on immigration.

However, the government has sought to reassure migrants that Malta remains committed to its international obligations and will continue to provide protection to those in need. “This operation was targeted at those who abuse our hospitality,” a government spokesperson told Hot Malta. “Malta remains a welcoming country, but we must ensure that our immigration system is fair and just.”