The introduction of a points system is among considerations by the government as part of a review of the way residence permits are issued, Prime minister Joseph Muscat said in Parliament this evening.

Dr Muscat was replying to questions by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil after he gave a statement on his attendance over the past few weeks to the EU summit and the UN General Assembly.

Dr Muscat disputed the Opposition figure of 13,700 residence permits having been issued last year, saying that some 7,700 were renewals of permits issued in the previous year.

Asked about the introduction of a points system and quotas, Dr Muscat said a points system was under consideration but a quota system would create problems.

What would happen if the quota was achieved, but then some company needed workers with skills which were not available in Malta?

One also had to consider implications with regard to the Schengen system, Dr Muscat said.

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