You may have noticed on your travels the posters places to make you aware that some people on your plane, may not be travelling out of choice. I am the first to raise my hand to admit that the fact that human trafficking in Malta even exists, is a complete shock. So no, it isn’t just a problem in distant countries or something confined to Hollywood thrillers.
Victims can be found working in restaurants, construction sites, private homes, farms and even the sex trade. Many are controlled through fear, debt, violence or the confiscation of passports, making it incredibly difficult to escape or ask for help.
New figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) reveal that 88 victims of human trafficking were officially identified in Malta between 2019 and 2025. While that may seem like a relatively small number, experts stress that trafficking is one of the world’s most underreported crimes, meaning many victims are likely to remain hidden.
The data, compiled from the Malta Police Force and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), shows that an average of around 13 victims were identified each year. The highest numbers were recorded in both 2022 and 2025, when 22 victims came to the attention of authorities.
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It can involve forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced begging or forcing people into criminal activities.
Contrary to popular belief, victims do not have to be smuggled across borders to be trafficked, indeed, exploitation can begin after someone arrives legally in a country or even within their own homeland.
The figures also show Malta’s justice system is becoming more active in prosecuting offenders. Between 2019 and 2025, 26 people were prosecuted on trafficking charges and 15 were convicted, with four convictions recorded in both 2023 and 2025.
Who’s fighting back?
While police investigations are essential, much of the work happens away from the courtroom.
The Foundation for Social Welfare Services, through Appoġġ, provides specialist support including emergency accommodation, counselling, social work, safeguarding and practical assistance to help victims rebuild their lives.
The Victim Support Agency also assists survivors by providing emotional support, information about their rights and guidance through the criminal justice process.
Several NGOs play a vital role, particularly for migrants and refugees who may be at greater risk of exploitation. Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malta provides legal and social support, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) works alongside Maltese authorities on victim identification, protection and voluntary return programmes.
How can you spot the warning signs?
Trafficking victims rarely identify themselves. Instead, charities encourage the public to look out for warning signs, including people who:
• appear frightened, anxious or under the control of someone else
• are unable to keep hold of their own passport or identity documents
• seem reluctant to speak freely or let others speak on their behalf
• work excessively long hours with little or no pay
• live where they work in overcrowded or poor conditions
• show signs of physical abuse, neglect or untreated injuries.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
What should you do?
If someone appears to be in immediate danger, contact the Malta Police Force on 112.
Concerns about possible human trafficking can also be reported to Appoġġ, whose trained professionals can assess the situation and provide specialist support for potential victims.
International organisations continue to praise Malta for improving cooperation between police, social services and NGOs, while calling for more work to identify victims earlier, strengthen protection and tackle labour exploitation.
The reality is that every statistic represents a person whose freedom, dignity and future have been stolen and whilst many complain about the numbers of migrants of every nationality working here, it would do them some good to understand an unknown number of people who live among us, are here against their will.
