At least 49 migrants have been arrested during Malta’s latest night time raid.

Officers headed to Marsa and its vicinities as rain poured down to inspect a number of homes and properties of people suspected to be living in Malta irregularly.

Many of the properties were the 49 were found were sealed off, with water and electricity services also shut off.

The process to repatriate the 49 people has already begun, with monitoring set to continue today.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said these weekly raids were part of a strategy to take on irregular migration into the island. He said last night’s raid sent a “strong message” to anyone planning to enter Malta without following the law.