An independent inquiry on how thousands of residency permits and visas are being issued is required , Opposition leader Simon Busuttil insisted today.

Commenting after a two-and-a-half hour meeting of the security committee held at Castille, Dr Busuttil said that after the meeting the Opposition still has strong reservations about what was going on.

"We are insisting that a thorough inquiry is launched. The ball is in the Prime Minister's court," Dr Busuttil told journalists.

Asked whether the meeting had alleviated the Opposition's concerns, Dr Busuttil said that the Opposition was still very concerned.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the government was ready to order an independent inquiry but refused to say whether this would be held soon.

He said that the inquiry would only be held when the current procedures with regards to ongoing police and court investigations on abusive visa and residency permits were concluded.

Asked to state when an inquiry will be ordered, the Prime Minister did not reply.

He said that without going into the details of the meeting, it was clear that procedures against former Labour treasurer Joe Sammut on visa fraud started following reports by Identity Malta and other government agencies.