Immigrants living in Malta have reported misplacing 10,854 documents in the first nine months of the year.

The documents reported missing included 8,598 identity cards or a similar document, 1,406 driving licences, 836 passports and 14 residence permits.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, replying to a parliamentary question put forward by Opposition MP Michael Falzon, said that the government takes note of every document that is lost so that once found, it cannot be used again. He added that every time a person reports a missing document, that person is asked to take an oath.