Visas ‘racket’ in Libya under investigation - ministry

The alleged abuse in the issuing of visas by the Maltese Consulate in Libya has been under investigation for weeks, the foreign affairs ministry said.

Reportedly, the Maltese Consulate in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, is charging up to €3,000 for visa applications which cost €70 (120 Libyan Dinars).  

According to the General Workers Union's daily, l-orizzont, the minimum price being charged is €200.

"Weeks ago the ministry decided to investigate allegations which have reached it. Last week alone, a preliminary internal investigation was initiated upon the orders of the Foreign Affairs Minister."

The ministry urged the public to pass on any information on the alleged abuse going on at the Consulate in Tripoli to the Police.