Identità and Jobsplus welcomed a court decision regarding a human trafficking case.

A Maltese man was given a two-year prison sentence after admitting to human trafficking charges.

"It was a joint investigation by Identità and Jobsplus, with the collaboration of the police that led to this business owner being arrested and charged in court," they said.

"The accused admitted to the charges and was given two years imprisonment. Dubious applications or reports that are filed with Identità and Jobsplus, it are found to be founded and substantiated with evidence, are passed onto the police to take whatever steps that the law permits."

Both Identità and Jobsplus said that they are committed to continue strengthening their work with the aim of safeguarding the fundamental rights of workers. "The implementation of advanced systems at the assessment of applications stage by Identità, will continue to strengthen the verification and authentication of submitted documents. Identità and Jobsplus said that no abuse or exploitation on workers will be tolerated,

"They reaffirmed their commitment that, whoever is caught abusing of foreign worker engagement processes will not benefit from the services given by these two entities," Identità and Jobsplus said.

Those who employ foreign workers are responsible for ensuring that these same workers will be working with the company with which the contract of work was signed, and in the position on the basis of which the residency permit would be issued, the two entities said in their statement. "This is a legal obligation and no abuse will be tolerated."