Authorities have detained 35 individuals found to be living and working in Malta without the proper permits, following a series of immigration inspections over the weekend.

The checks took place across multiple locations, including public transport services, public areas in Marsa and Paceville during the night and were led by the Malta Police Force, supported by the Agency for Detention Services.

Those detained are originally from Syria, Afghanistan, Ghana, Brazil, Mali, Nepal, Pakistan, Nigeria, Niger, Gambia, Sudan and Ivory Coast.

All were issued with deportation orders and are currently being held in a detention centre until they are returned to their country of origin or to EU member states where they are authorised to reside.

Authorities confirmed that these immigration inspections will continue in the coming days and weeks.