The agency Identità has categorically denied that it issued thousands of ID cards to foreign nationals in an illegal manner, saying that a story run by Nationalist Party media over the weekend was false.

In response to a Net News report last Sunday, which alleged that Identità, formerly known as Identity Malta, had issued slews of identity (ID) cards to foreigners who were in Malta irregularly, the agency made it clear that ID cards are only issued to persons who have a Maltese nationality whilst foreigners who live and work in Malta are given a permission slip or document of residence that states the reason they are living in Malta. 

Identità said that it was after an internal investigation by the Compliance and Expatriates Unit within the agency itself that it passed on information, with proof it found, regarding certain individuals to the police so that they may continue the investigations and take any necessary action prescribed by the law.

It said that this investigation started following internal verifications that are consistently done by the Compliance Unit which investigates any suspicion that may arise during verification exercises it carries out or on reports it receives. It added that in the case that their suspicions are founded, the information is passed on to the responsible authorities.

Identità said that it does not tolerate any abuse or action which in some way or another affect its integrity and its faith of the public. It said that this is why it is committed to fully cooperating in the investigations that are being carried out by the police.

Identità said that in a proactive way, the agency is currently undergoing a comprehensive audit and remains committed to investigate any suspicions that may arise during these verification exercises or from a received report. It reiterated that should such suspicions be founded, all necessary information is passed onto the police.