Updated 1230
New economic migration policy to address rise in TCNs
Byron Camilleri announced a new economic migration policy aimed at aligning migration with labour market needs. The policy will strengthen employment rights, ensure fair working conditions, and reward employers who invest in upskilling their workers, regardless of nationality. This initiative comes in response to concerns over the sharp rise in third-country national workers in Malta, especially over the past decade. The policy focuses on four principles: prioritising those already contributing to the local economy, safeguarding worker dignity, promoting stability and retention, and encouraging upskilling and reskilling. It also aims to combat worker exploitation and limit foreign worker influx in saturated industries. (Maltatoday)
Insurance association calls for urgent action after increased number of fatalities
The Insurance Association Malta is calling for urgent action following three mid-week fatalities in a single day, with more accidents since. “This highlights the need for swift action on road safety, including the establishment of an accident investigation agency and stricter enforcement against drink-driving, drug-driving, speeding, and mobile phone use,” the Association stated. It urges a reform for a dedicated road accident investigation service, similar to those in aviation and maritime. “Real road safety requires joint efforts from authorities and road users. How many more accidents before real change occurs?” (The Malta Independent)
Cremation policy gets final approval
The long-awaited policy for the development of standalone crematoria received final approval from the planning minister last week, allowing Maltese families the option of cremation. Planning Minister Clint Camilleri confirmed that he had signed the final version of the ‘Policy and Design Guidance for the Development of Standalone Crematoria,’ which will be published online shortly. “This was a Labour Party commitment in our last electoral manifesto,” he said. “Cremation will offer an alternative to current funeral practices and could help ease the demand for cemetery expansions in the long term.” (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Budget to present 5 to 10-year vision – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the upcoming budget will provide a clear vision for the country’s future over the next five to ten years. In an interview on ONE Radio, Abela outlined that the budget, due in October, will focus on sectoral reforms and emphasised the need for selective investments. He stressed that the country should prioritise quality investments that offer good wages and employ highly skilled workers, rather than accepting large-scale investments that provide numerous jobs but lower wages. The Prime Minister also discussed plans for economic reform, highlighting key areas such as population growth, and improvements in electrical, medical, and road infrastructure. (Maltatoday)
No visible impact by Stabbiltà mechanism – Chamber
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has criticised the Stabbiltà mechanism, stating its impact has been minimal. According to CEO Marthese Portelli and Council member Silvan Mifsud, extending the scheme would merely serve as a public relations effort rather than addressing underlying cost issues. Introduced by the government in February to stabilise essential food prices, the mechanism aimed for a 15% reduction in retail prices for 15 food categories. The Chamber insisted that it has consistently opposed such interventions, arguing they stifle consumer choice and competition by controlling the market rather than fostering it through proper regulation and oversight. (The Malta Independent)
Muscat associate charged in Cyprus with alleged corruption
An associate of Joseph Muscat has been charged in Cyprus in connection with alleged corruption involving the country’s ‘golden passports’ scheme. Jing Wang, who employed Muscat as a consultant for passport and residency visa programmes through his Maltese company, is listed as a defendant alongside former Cypriot minister Marios Demetriades. Payments made to Muscat by Wang’s company have been flagged as “suspicious” in Malta due to the ambiguous nature of their consultancy agreement. Wang owns Delsk, a global investment firm, which in Malta is involved in promoting the island’s ‘golden visas’ scheme to affluent Chinese clients through its local agents, Destination Europe. This scheme offers applicants residency in Malta and visa-free travel within the EU. (Times of Malta)
