The case of the foreign workers found living in horse stables was proof that the government's migration policies lacked planning and foresight, the PN said.

This latest case, and a similar one where migrants were found to be living on a disused cow farm near Qormi showed how migrants were being exploited, the party said, adding that many migrants are also being paid extremely low wages.

Economic growth was coming as a result of population growth, with the country's population now reaching half a million people, it said. 

The government did not consider the effect that this would have on rental properties, housing and salaries. It also failed to consider the effect on traffic and transport infrastructure. The PN said the government's policies can only be described as cheap labour, as this form of economic growth through population increase was leading to new forms of poverty.

The statement was signed by PN spokesperson on foreign affairs and trade promotion Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici. 

 

PL reaction

Reacting, the Labour Party said the PN was defending those who abused. It said the PN had tried to justify a case where a number of people were being housed in unsuitable conditions, adding that the investigations into the case were ongoing.

Once more, the PN is only looking to be negative, the PL said, while noting the effective action taken by the authorities to ensure that everyone's rights were protected and that laws were observed.