Man Accused of Issuing Fake Lease Agreements to Third-Country Nationals
A 56-year-old man has been charged with providing false lease agreements to third-country nationals, allegedly aiding them in unlawfully securing residence permits in Malta. The accused, Harold Mamo, was denied bail and remains in custody due to concerns that he might tamper with evidence. The court also imposed a ban on disclosing his profession, clarifying that he is not employed at Identità. During a hearing, a police inspector testified that in August 2024, suspicions were raised when residents noticed letterboxes attached to vacant properties were being used to deliver Identità documents for third-country nationals. These boxes contained letters facilitating the collection of residence permits. This issue came to public attention after former MP Jason Azzopardi exposed a scheme involving Identità through a series of social media posts, prompting a magisterial inquiry, which is currently ongoing. (The Malta Independent)
Petition called for longer time for non-EU worker to secure new job A recent parliamentary petition is calling for an extension of the time given to non-EU workers to secure new employment in Malta before facing deportation. Currently, Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are required to find a new job within 10 days after their employment is terminated. The petition, which has garnered over 1,400 signatures, deems this timeframe “impractical and unjust” and is urging lawmakers to extend it to up to two months. The petition highlights that the existing 10-day window forces workers to make rushed decisions in their job search, often leading to exploitation and employment mismatches. By granting a longer period, it argues, workers would have a fairer chance to find positions that better align with their skills and qualifications, while also reducing the administrative burden on authorities handling these cases. Proponents of the petition believe that this extension would not only offer non-EU workers more stability but also ensure a more equitable labour environment in Malta, allowing for better integration of TCNs into the workforce. (The Malta Independent)
President says MCCF will continue supporting cancer patients
President Myriam Spiteri Debono has assured the public that the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) will continue to support cancer patients during ongoing discussions between the health ministry and the president’s office regarding the funding of oncology medication. In a press conference alongside Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, the President emphasised that the MCCF remains committed to addressing patients’ needs while talks are held on a new funding approach. A statement issued after the conference highlighted that while the MCCF was initially set up to assist vulnerable individuals in society, its mission extends beyond a single focus, providing aid across various challenges. The MCCF relies on public donations, particularly through its major annual fundraiser, L-Istrina, which takes place on Boxing Day. (Maltatoday)
