Couple claims damages after visas arrive late

A Maltese couple filed a civil suit against Johann Cuschieri, Consul of India in Malta, claiming damages of €4,110 when their visas were delivered late, ruining a trip to India. However a court rejected the claim, saying the consul enjoyed diplomatic immunity in such cases. Stewart and Marie Craig said they had planned to go to India two years ago. They spent €4,110 on flights and hotel bookings and were repeatedly told by Mr Cuschieri that their visas would be issued in good time. Yet the visas arrived two weeks after they were meant to have travelled and they lost all their bookings. Mr Cuschieri said the visas had arrived late because of delays abroad, over which he had no control. Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna said that issues related to visas were diplomatic matters and Mr Cuschieri, as consul, was immune from legal action. Dr Stefan Filletti was defence counsel.