Activist group, il-Kenniesa, has released an online survey asking the public "real questions" on the IIP scheme after the government used a similar platform in its public consultation for the extension of the controversial scheme.

The results of their survey will be anonymous, and will be "made public for the government to understand how the Maltese people really feel about the IIP Passport Scheme."

Last week, Identity Malta launched a poll on Surveymonkey and asked the public whether the number of applicants in a second round of the controversial Individual Investor Programme should be capped like the first one, or whether this should be left at the discretion of the government.

The agency also asked the public to look at the obligatory criteria for prospective new citizens, legal dispositions and whether any new services should be offered to individuals who invest in Malta.

"The government is not really interested in what the people think, the questions are aimed at seeking approval from the public for the government to extend the passport scheme," a statement read.

"The (anonymous) results [of their survey] will be made public for the government to understand how the Maltese people really feel about the IIP Passport Scheme," it continued.

The IIP is otherwise known as Malta's citizenship-for-sale scheme, whereby wealthy individuals can buy or rent property in Malta and invest a minimum of €650,000 to obtain a Maltese passport, allowing them free movement in the EU, among other benefits.

The government has been under fire over the scheme since its launch in 2014, with many MEPs and other foreign and local politicians saying that it is unethical to put a price on EU citizenship.

They say that the scheme's safeguards are weak and that the system has been abused and used by shady individuals. Russians top the list of people who obtained a Maltese passport through the IIP.

The government defends the scheme by pointing out that it is approved by the European Commission.