A new 10-year residency permit for Britons residing in Malta is one of 36 action points that the government has in mind in case a no-deal Brexit scenario occurs next March.
The Malta Independent reports the Press conference by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who said that there were 36 action points in total, spanning across 13 ministries, which will be put into practice in the case of a no-deal Brexit. 10 of these action plans touch on various ministries simultaneously whilst there are no less than 82 laws which will need to be examined and possibly amended in the case of a no-deal Brexit, Muscat said.
The measures look at various matters, such as residency, customs procedures, connectivity and the health sector.
Malta wants to be the best UK-friendly country after Brexit, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said on Wednesday as he outlined Malta’s preparations in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
The Times reports the PM telling a press conference that Malta regretted the UK’s departure from the EU and hoped its withdrawal would not be without a deal.
Malta agreed with the other EU member states that the exit deal agreed between the UK and the EU (and rejected by the House of Commons last week) should not be reopened. Malta agreed, however that the EU should be ready to offer clarifications to avoid a no-deal scenario.
As far as possible, Malta wanted to see no change in the status and living conditions of Britons already living in Malta, the Prime Minister said.
As agreed with the UK government, they would be required to apply for a residence permit. That permit would give them special status as citizens of a former EU country and their rights would continue to be retained.
MaltaToday reports the new residence document will reflect the fact that they are no longer EU citizens, but they will be a special category of citizens who have certain acquired rights which will not change,” Joseph Muscat said, as he underlined that this was a strong political signal meant to ensure Brits in Malta can have peace of mind.
The document can be renewed after the ten years – considered a long-period for such permits – elapse.
This residence permit will be valid for 10 years – longer than any other residence permits. It could then be renewed, and no charges would be imposed for the permit application.
As a result, students will be able to continue to study in Malta, workers could continue to work here, and residents could continue to stay here.
