A Serbian man has admitted to obtaining a residence permit after falsely declaring that he will be studying in Malta.

Aleksandar Pivac, 26, was arrested near Paceville after the police received information that he was not attending any tuition classes.

He was also found to have two forged stamps on his passport.

On his arrest, Pivac admitted to submitting false documents to the authorities in order to obtain the residence permit.

Defence lawyer Stefano Filletti told Magistrate Gabriella Vella that his client apologises for his actions.

Inspector Victor Aquilina said the man will be deported today or tomorrow.