The Foreign Affairs Ministry has ordered an investigation into the issuing of visas by the Maltese consulate in Libya.

It launched a preliminary internal investigation last week after allegations of wrongdoing.

The ministry was reacting to a story that appeared yesterday in l-Orizzont, which spoke of a racket involving the sale of visas to Libyans way above the official price.

According to the newspaper, a €70 travel visa was being sold at more than double the price – in some instances running into thousands of euros.

Similar allegations about consulate officials had surfaced two years ago after Libyans claimed they were being asked for bribes to be issued with visas.

The Maltese embassy was only one of three EU consular offices that was issuing Schengen visas.

The Government at the time had said the new ambassador was introducing new internal procedures to strengthen transparency but did not waive the diplomatic immunity of the officials against whom the allegations were made.

The Foreign Ministry has urged those who have information to immediately pass it to the police.