Passport checks at Rome airport

Much has been written about the checks at Rome airport on people holding a Maltese passport. It has been claimed that an Italian immigration officer has justified these checks on the grounds that many Eastern Europeans are trying to enter Italy on forged Maltese passports.

What surprises me is that the Maltese authorities have not informed the public of the truth or otherwise of this claim. I know from experience that Maltese passports have security features that can be checked easily at efficient airports, without the need for grilling all Maltese passport holders. Besides, foreign governments contact the Maltese authorities to ascertain, when in doubt, whether a Maltese passport in their hands is genuine or not.

The important question to which the Maltese public is entitled to an answer is: "Is there any truth in the allegation that many East Europeans are using false Maltese passports to enter any EU country?"

If the answer is 'no', then this grilling of Maltese citizens at Rome airport is is not justified, legal though it might be. If the answer is 'yes' then we, and the Italian authorities, have reason to be worried.