Syrian men found trying to come to Malta using false passports were seeking work and asylum and were not involved in terrorism, the government said this evening.

It issued a statement after another two Syrian men were arrested in Italy while about to board a plane for Malta.

Like similar arrests yesterday, they were carrying false passports. The arrests today were made in Rome's Ciampino airport. The men were carrying false Norwegian and French passports. 

The government said an international ring had been smuggling Somali and Syrian people to Malta to seek refugee status and work. The ring was discovered as Malta suspended the Schengen rules and airport controls were imposed on flights to Malta.

It appeared that a number of Somali but also Syrians had been travelling from Italy to Malta using false documents. Under the Schengen rules these persons had previously only presented documents at the airport of departure.   

These persons appeared to be coming to Malta to apply for refugee status and look for work. They used pictures of people in war zones - which they claimed to be relatives - in order to strengthen their application for asylum. 

Some 30 people came to Malta in this way since the beginning of the year and they were currently being traced along with people in Malta involved in the activity, the government said.

The Attorney General has been asked to advise on their status and what action may be taken against them. 

"An analysis of information from the services involved shows that these persons are not linked to terrorism. The abuses are related to false documents for purposes of protection and work," the government said.  

It thanked the police and the Security Service for their work and reiterated that there is no terrorism threat.