Border controls will remain in place for at least a month after the Commonwealth summit ends, with the government having notified the European Commission of its decision to suspend Schengen.

Malta introduced border controls earlier this month as a precautionary measure for the Valletta Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The suspension should expire on November 29 but the government has invoked a clause in the Schengen regulations that allows the reintroduction of temporary border controls “where there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security”.

A government spokesman said the notification was communicated yesterday. It came 48 hours after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced the extension of border controls beyond November as “a precautionary measure”.

Asked to elaborate, the government said: “The threat is all around the world and we are not taking risks. As explained there are no specific or general threats on Malta.”

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil has opposed the move, insisting the extension contradicted the government’s emphasis that Malta did not face a terrorist threat.

The government spokesman said the introduction of temporary border controls was in accordance with Articles 23 and 25 of the Schengen rules. He did not say for what period the suspension would be in place, adding the situation would be reviewed “periodically”.

Option of renewals

The clauses invoked by the government allow the introduction of border controls for 30 days with the option of 30-day renewals if the threat persists. Europe has been on high alert in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks on November 13.

On Sunday Dr Muscat said the retention of border controls beyond CHOGM was “a precautionary measure”, insisting Malta did not face any known threat. However, he also said the suspension of Schengen for the summits had uncovered a racket of foreigners with false passports who were coming to Malta to seek asylum and work.

The foreigners were stopped at Italian airports and arrested. No terrorism links were established, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela told Parliament on Monday.

But contrary to the impression given by the Prime Minister, the actions taken by the Italians had nothing to do with Malta’s Schengen suspension and more to do with increased security in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. Italy introduced tighter controls at all airports immediately after Paris but has so far not suspended Schengen.

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