Updated 1230
Half of Foreign workers leave country after just a year: Data presented in the House of Representatives reveals that nearly half of Malta’s non-Maltese workforce, totaling over 48,000 individuals, were employed for an average duration of one year before leaving the island. These figures indicate that 25% of the overall foreign workforce of 190,000 individuals between 2013 and 2023 engaged in non-permanent employment, passing through Malta for temporary work opportunities. (Maltatoday)
Maltese digital bank fined for AML breaches: Papaya Limited, a Maltese “digital bank,” has received a fine from the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) for its failure to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. This penalty of €279,000 was announced on June 1, two years after the FIAU conducted a compliance visit to Papaya Limited. One of the directors of Papaya, Frederic Villa, had previously faced sanctions by the United States in February due to his connections with Russia. The US sanctions targeted individuals and companies supporting Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Villa subsequently resigned from his position on Papaya’s board during the same month. (Times of Malta)
Church’s environment commission urges politicians ‘to work for common good’: To commemorate Environment Day 2023, observed every year on June 5th, the Interdiocesan Commission for the Environment expressed its appreciation for the efforts of environmental NGOs, mayors, councillors, and numerous citizens who actively contribute to safeguarding the environment and the overall quality of life for the residents of Malta and Gozo. Additionally, the Commission urged politicians to prioritize the common good and strive to implement the required changes while in power. They emphasized that despite the existing environmental and agricultural strategies, these efforts are hindered by a planning process that fails to support them effectively. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
PM says Malta will remain open for business
During a Labour Party event in Dingli, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to remaining open for business. Abela emphasized that there would be no interruption or slowdown, and the government would continue its support for businesses to flourish and drive the country forward. The PM highlighted the government’s focus on transitioning to a new economy that prioritizes greener and more digitalized skills. He specifically addressed investors, encouraging them to bring forward projects aligned with these principles. The Prime Minister assured them that the government would stand behind them, providing assistance to ensure their success. (Times of Malta)
PN leader calls for new economic model
Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech emphasized the necessity for a new economic model in the country during his Sunday address. He highlighted the importance of establishing new economic pillars that would not require the destruction of the environment or the heavy reliance on foreign workers. Referring to claims by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana that Malta’s population could reach 800,000 by 2040, Dr. Grech expressed concerns that the influx of foreign workers could potentially diminish the Maltese population, posing a risk of becoming a minority. He further stated that the Nationalist Party is positioned as an alternative government, ready to address the challenges faced by the people. (TVM)
Diver dies in Manoel Island incident
A diver died after being rescued at Manoel Island in Gżira, a police spokesperson confirmed. Reports indicate that the man found himself in difficulty while diving on Sunday afternoon and was brought ashore to Manoel Island by some people who were with him at around 5:30pm. The man was later identified as a 44-year-old Russian national. (Newsbook)
