The days of tourists breaching laws and leaving the island without paying the penalties are numbered as Home Affairs Minister proposes on the spot fines.

Foreign nationals who do not reside in Malta, including tourists, could soon be required to pay fines immediately if caught committing minor offences.

The measure would apply to contraventions such as excessive littering or causing significant noise disturbances to neighbours.

Offenders would be obliged to settle the penalty on the spot, rather than being allowed to leave the country without settling the payment.

The proposal aims to strengthen enforcement and increase deterrence, addressing concerns that some individuals evade fines simply by departing Malta.

Visitors are welcome but must act with decency and respect towards Malta, Minister Byron Camilleri has said.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) supports the proposal by Dr Byron Camilleri, Minister within the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, to introduce on-the-spot fines for short-term visitors without a permanent residency permit who breach Maltese laws.