A migrant who was convicted and served a jail term for drug trafficking has been granted humanitarian protection by the Refugees Commissioner and has now married a European woman and applied for a residence permit.

The details were given in Parliament today by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela after Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi asked why this person had not been deported on serving his jail term. He also asked why his application for a residence permit had been accepted.  

The minister explained that on the same day that this person was released from jail, a deportation order was issued. But he appealed before the Immigration Appeals Board.

While the appeal was being considered, this person applied for and was granted humanitarian protection by the Refugees Commissioner.

Recently this person married a European citizen and therefore could apply for a residence permit. The application was still being examined in the context of all circumstances.

The minister said it may be the case that the humanitarian protection would be withdrawn if it resulted that this person posed a threat for Malta's security.  

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