A decision taken by an individual at Hal-Far detention centre has been reverted and donations, as well as voluntary assistance, are being accepted once again following intervention of the Home Affairs Ministry, The Malta Independent has learnt.

Asked whether this policy came from the ministry, a spokesperson said: “This is not a policy of the ministry and the person concerned was told to revert back the decision as soon as the ministry was informed about the situation. The person excused herself. The volunteers were given reassurances by the ministry”.

The issue seems to have cropped up on Monday when volunteers who as usual took donations to the centre, were refused entry. This sparked a negative reaction especially on Facebook.

Volunteers who expressed their anger as a result of yesterday’s bizarre situation have confirmed things are back to normal and that any assistance is welcome.