Can I be deported from Malta, and under what circumstances?

Deportation, or removal, from Malta can arise in a range of circumstances under the Immigration Act, Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta, and it is not limited only to serious criminal matters; a person residing in Malta without valid legal status, for example following an expired or invalidated residence permit that was not properly renewed or addressed, or a significant breach of the conditions attached to their specific immigration status, can also potentially face removal proceedings, separately from any criminal conduct. Where deportation is being considered, Maltese law does generally provide for certain procedural protections, and a person facing potential removal is generally entitled to be informed of the basis for this and, depending on the specific process being followed, may have avenues to legally challenge or appeal the decision, rather than deportation being an entirely unreviewable administrative action in every case. Given how serious the consequences of deportation are, both immediately and for potential future entry to Malta or the Schengen area, anyone facing this situation, whether due to a status issue or another reason, should seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer immediately, since the available options and their urgency depend heavily on the specific circumstances and stage of any proceedings already underway.