A man who lived in Malta for 13 years “willingly agreed to repatriation” rather than face deportation procedures, leaving Malta on Friday, his lawyers said.

Kusi Dismark, who had a barber shop in Hamrun, will not face a ban on entry to Malta after intervention from the home affairs ministry.

Dismark, had arrived here as an undocumented migrant and took a course at MCAST. He was detained on 21 January by immigration officers.

Dismark’s lawyers Adrian Sciberras and Gianluca Cappitta said Dismark were involved in “a constructive dialogue” with the Principal Immigration Officer on Thursday evening.

“The meeting proceeded in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Following extensive deliberation, Kusi made the decision to voluntarily return to Ghana. This decision was reached after careful consideration and consultation with us, as his lawyers,” the statement said.

It continues: “Despite enduring a stateless status for over 12 years, Kusi will not face a ban thanks to the Ministry of Home Affairs' intervention, which facilitated his repatriation. This incident highlights the numerous stateless individuals on our island, stressing the need for initiatives aimed at regularising their legal status.”

The silver lining for Kusi will be his reunion with his mother after more than a decade away from Ghana.

“We remain committed to supporting him in his journey. Kusi is in good spirit and maintains an optimistic outlook for his future in Malta,” the lawyers said.