A total of 912 illegal immigrants arrived in Malta up to the end of September, according to figures given in parliament yesterday by Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg.
He said 378 arrived last month, 251 in July and 208 in March. None arrived in April, May and June, the minister told Labour MP Gavin Gulia.
The minister said emergency measures were being taken to house the increased number of immigrants. They are currently housed at Safi Barracks, Lyster Barracks, the Hal Far centre for immigrants, the police compound at Ta' Kandja and at police headquarters.
He said 89 policemen were temporarily assigned for duties with the immigrants. This number excluded officers required to escort immigrants when they needed hospital care or when they were being repatriated.