Legal Supplement 217.19 sets out Detention Services Regulations made under the Immigration Act (Chapter 217), governing the operation of immigration detention facilities in Malta. The Regulations prescribe minimum standards for the physical conditions of detention (cell size, lighting, ventilation, access to outdoor exercise), health care (including access to a doctor within 24 hours of admission), and welfare (dietary requirements, access to legal advice, access to consular officials, and provision of translation services). Detained persons must be informed of the reasons for their detention in a language they understand within six hours of arrival.

The Regulations establish an internal complaints mechanism administered by the Director of Detention Services, with an escalation path to an independent Detention Monitoring Board whose members are appointed by the Minister and must include a representative of an accredited NGO. The Board has right of access to all areas of detention facilities and must publish an annual report. Detainees who are asylum seekers must be separated from those detained on criminal grounds, and unaccompanied minors may not be detained in adult facilities. Review of detention beyond 28 days requires a decision of the Immigration Appeals Board. The Regulations came into force on the date of publication.

Detention Services Regulations (L.S. 217.19)