Four other migrants from the same rescue were returned in the days leading up to the larger group’s departure. That brings the total to 48 people repatriated within 17 days of landing in Malta. The country of origin for the returned migrants was not disclosed in any official statements. (Image courtesy of Paul-Briden via iStock)New digital border systems comingMalta’s handling of migration is about to change with new EU border systems rolling out this year and next. For the 44 migrants sent home on December 28, the digital systems weren’t yet fully in place.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 06, 2026 04:56 UTC