Malta’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August 2025 stood at 2.9 per cent, unchanged from the previous month and down by 0.2 percentage points compared with August 2024. The number of unemployed persons reached 9,788, a slight monthly increase of 0.8 per cent but 5.6 per cent lower than a year earlier. Most unemployed were aged between 25 and 74, totalling 7,379 people, while youth unemployment stood at 2,408. The rate among males rose marginally to 3.1 per cent, while female unemployment edged down to 2.6 per cent. Youth unemployment dropped to 9.2 per cent, whereas the rate for those aged 25 to 74 inched up to 2.4 per cent. (NSO)
Court blocks Meli extradition
A Maltese court has ruled against extraditing 28-year-old Daniel Joe Meli to the United States, where he faced charges related to the sale of computer malware. Meli had initially consented to extradition following his arrest in February 2024, carried out in a joint operation involving Malta’s police, the Attorney General, the US Justice Department and the FBI. However, he later appealed, invoking recent legal amendments. Magistrate Elaine Rizzo found the prosecution had not proven its case on a prima facie basis and rejected the request. The ruling follows a series of legal challenges that saw evidence contested and appeals filed. While Meli will remain in Malta, the Attorney General may still choose to challenge the decision in court. (Times of Malta)
Special leave for parents with newborns in intensive care
Government has announced that both parents will now be entitled to parental leave when their child is admitted to the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU). Speaking at the launch of a consultation on Support Leave, Parliamentary Secretary Dr Andy Ellul emphasised that this measure will not impose costs on employers, with the state covering the financial aspect. Malta will be the first European country to introduce such leave. The Parliamentary Secretary highlighted the profound emotional and financial strain parents face during this period, stressing the importance of allowing families to remain close to their child. Medical studies have shown that the presence of parents can significantly aid the recovery process, providing benefits beyond financial support. (The Malta Independent)
