Updated: Scuffles as immigrants try to jump the queue

No one was injured this morning when scuffles broke out in front of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration as immigrants tried to jump the queue to get inside for identity cards and residence permits. A good number of policemen were sent on site to calm the situation. Some immigrants said they had spent the night waiting outside the department to make sure they were the first inside. However, as soon as the doors opened there was a rush and people started jumping the queue. All non-Maltese citizens resident in Malta require an electronic document containing biometric data which they have to apply for. Although it a requirement for an appointment with the department to be set by e-mail, many immigrants were just turning up.