Social Policies
#29Key Findings
With a number of reform needs evident despite ongoing improvements, Malta falls into the lower-middle ranks (rank 29) with respect to social policies. Its score for this measure has improved by 0.9 points relative to 2014.
School drop-out rates are worrisomely high. A program dealing with the issue has been published.
PISA scores are lower than the OECD average. A consolidated social-benefits scheme supports those with low incomes, and healthcare and education are available free of charge.
The government implemented a substantial relief program during the early COVID-19 years. Rising rental and food prices are an increasing social welfare issue. A large number of families benefit from free childcare, which has helped boost the labor market participation rate. The gender employment gap remains large, however, and women remain the primary caregivers.
Until recently, pensions were not indexed to inflation, leading to considerable erosion of value. The pandemic exposed weaknesses in the healthcare sector, including insufficient hospital capacities. However, the response was strong, with ad hoc facilities established. The country had the world’s highest vaccination rate in 2021.
School drop-out rates are worrisomely high. A program dealing with the issue has been published.
PISA scores are lower than the OECD average. A consolidated social-benefits scheme supports those with low incomes, and healthcare and education are available free of charge.
The government implemented a substantial relief program during the early COVID-19 years. Rising rental and food prices are an increasing social welfare issue. A large number of families benefit from free childcare, which has helped boost the labor market participation rate. The gender employment gap remains large, however, and women remain the primary caregivers.
Until recently, pensions were not indexed to inflation, leading to considerable erosion of value. The pandemic exposed weaknesses in the healthcare sector, including insufficient hospital capacities. However, the response was strong, with ad hoc facilities established. The country had the world’s highest vaccination rate in 2021.
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To what extent does education policy deliver high-quality, equitable and efficient education and training?
10
9
9
Education policy fully achieves the criteria.
8
7
6
7
6
Education policy largely achieves the criteria.
5
4
3
4
3
Education policy partially achieves the criteria.
2
1
1
Education policy does not achieve the criteria at all.
Due to a lack of natural resources in Malta, economic growth is intrinsically linked to human resources. Attracting investment and sustaining employment depend very much on the skill and education levels of the workforce. Malta’s IQ world ranking is 10th.
The government has implemented a number of programs since 2013 seeking to encourage more students to pursue educational opportunities. Some of these have entailed fiscal support, such as the provision of support for students at risk of failing and/or who have failed admission to higher-education institutions, as well as the extension of services and facilities at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) in order to better address learning challenges at different educational levels. The Malta Visual and Performing Arts School was officially inaugurated in 2018, catering specifically to secondary students with special talents in the arts. A secondary school for students gifted in various sports disciplines is also operational. New vocational subjects have been introduced in schools with the aim of complementing the traditional academic route. A “One Tablet per Child” scheme is in place. New schools have been built and others modernized. To eliminate possible financial obstacles, exam fees were eliminated in 2019.
At 16.7%, Malta had the European Union’s highest school drop-out rate, with 28% of adults having attained a tertiary level of education, in 2020. This latter figure indicates substantial growth compared to the figure of 10.3% in 2005. The government has continued with its efforts to reduce the drop-out rate and the country’s second early school leaving strategy has been published. Experts recommend that compulsory education should be extended to 18 years of age in conjunction with an overhaul of the education system.
In 2021, Maltese students took second place in the global Supertmatik Mental Maths Challenge. The island’s 2018 PISA scores remain relatively unchanged from previous years, with Malta falling within the lower range of the middle third due to scoring below the OECD average in reading, mathematics and science. However, the mean performance level in mathematics has improved relative to 2010. The country’s gender gap (in favor of girls) in reading, mathematics and science was higher than the average OECD gap. Some 13% of disadvantaged students in Malta were able to score in the top quartile in terms of reading performance (OECD average 11%). New PISA findings have been postponed until 2025 to reflect pandemic-related difficulties.
Malta provides a high level of equitable access to education at all levels. A total of 80% of all schools are free, and various measures exist to support students who need help. Children with special needs are mainstreamed. Access to higher education is open to all due to the absence of tuition fees and the availability of stipends for students. The provision of free state preschool facilities for children three years and over has been greatly expanded.
The Maltese educational system continues to be characterized by a lack of alignment between education and the needs of the economy in various sectors. Reforms have been slow due to a number of difficulties including teacher recruitment, high student-teacher ratios, expanding student populations (due to relatively high birth rates
among migrant communities that make up 9% of the school population) and delays in the building of new schools. Throughout October and November 2021, the first skills census was conducted with the aim of gathering much needed data that will serve as the basis for future policies to counteract present shortcomings. Meanwhile, the education system continues to be broadly exam-based, though there has been a shift toward a mixed assessment method, with substantial emphasis placed on a large number of subjects. This makes it more difficult for students to focus on core foundation subjects. Integration challenges for foreign students still persist and cyberbullying is increasing. More than 500 cases of bullying were reported in 2019.
Citations:
https://www.mcast.edu.mt/
Youth Guarantee Malta Implementation Plan p.22
https://newsbreak.edu.mt/2018/03/16/the-visual-performing-arts-school-is-a -fir st-in-malta/
https://nss.skola.edu.mt/
http://www.digital.edu.mt/
Budget Speech 2019 (English) p.83
Times of Malta 10/03/2015 Educators will be able to apply for sabbaticals
Malta Today 02/06/2016 €15 million invested in construction of new schools
The Malta Independent 28/06/2021 Malta’s Percentage of Early School Leavers Highest in EU
Central Bank of Malta 2021 An analysis of Educational Attainment in Malta
National Reform Programme Malta 2019 p. 42
Early Leaving From Education and Training Policy – The Way Forward 2020-2030
News Book 11/06/21 Distinguished Result for Maltese Students in International Mental Mathematics Competition
https://www.oecd.org/pisa/publications/PISA2018_CN_MLT.pdf
Times of Malta 29/08/2021 Reform Malta’s Education System, Experts Insist
Claudia Vallejo and Melinda Dooly, (2008) Educational Policies that address Social Inequalities: Country Report Malta p. 16
https://businessnow.mt/maltas-skills-gap-e3-million-census-to-serve-as-basis-for-human-capital-employment-skills-data/
The Malta Independent 05/09/2021 Poor Exam Results Just Tip of Failing Education System
Malta Today 02/12/2021 Italian Kids in Maltese Schools Facing Integration Problems
News Book 21/07/2021 “Cyberbullying in children and adults is increasing” – brave
Times of Malta 21/02/2021 Over 500 Cases of Bullying Reported in Malta’s Schools in 2019
European Commission, Organisation of its educational system and its structure
https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/organisation-education-system-and-its-structure-49_e
Brainstats: World ranking of countries by their average IQ
The government has implemented a number of programs since 2013 seeking to encourage more students to pursue educational opportunities. Some of these have entailed fiscal support, such as the provision of support for students at risk of failing and/or who have failed admission to higher-education institutions, as well as the extension of services and facilities at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) in order to better address learning challenges at different educational levels. The Malta Visual and Performing Arts School was officially inaugurated in 2018, catering specifically to secondary students with special talents in the arts. A secondary school for students gifted in various sports disciplines is also operational. New vocational subjects have been introduced in schools with the aim of complementing the traditional academic route. A “One Tablet per Child” scheme is in place. New schools have been built and others modernized. To eliminate possible financial obstacles, exam fees were eliminated in 2019.
At 16.7%, Malta had the European Union’s highest school drop-out rate, with 28% of adults having attained a tertiary level of education, in 2020. This latter figure indicates substantial growth compared to the figure of 10.3% in 2005. The government has continued with its efforts to reduce the drop-out rate and the country’s second early school leaving strategy has been published. Experts recommend that compulsory education should be extended to 18 years of age in conjunction with an overhaul of the education system.
In 2021, Maltese students took second place in the global Supertmatik Mental Maths Challenge. The island’s 2018 PISA scores remain relatively unchanged from previous years, with Malta falling within the lower range of the middle third due to scoring below the OECD average in reading, mathematics and science. However, the mean performance level in mathematics has improved relative to 2010. The country’s gender gap (in favor of girls) in reading, mathematics and science was higher than the average OECD gap. Some 13% of disadvantaged students in Malta were able to score in the top quartile in terms of reading performance (OECD average 11%). New PISA findings have been postponed until 2025 to reflect pandemic-related difficulties.
Malta provides a high level of equitable access to education at all levels. A total of 80% of all schools are free, and various measures exist to support students who need help. Children with special needs are mainstreamed. Access to higher education is open to all due to the absence of tuition fees and the availability of stipends for students. The provision of free state preschool facilities for children three years and over has been greatly expanded.
The Maltese educational system continues to be characterized by a lack of alignment between education and the needs of the economy in various sectors. Reforms have been slow due to a number of difficulties including teacher recruitment, high student-teacher ratios, expanding student populations (due to relatively high birth rates
among migrant communities that make up 9% of the school population) and delays in the building of new schools. Throughout October and November 2021, the first skills census was conducted with the aim of gathering much needed data that will serve as the basis for future policies to counteract present shortcomings. Meanwhile, the education system continues to be broadly exam-based, though there has been a shift toward a mixed assessment method, with substantial emphasis placed on a large number of subjects. This makes it more difficult for students to focus on core foundation subjects. Integration challenges for foreign students still persist and cyberbullying is increasing. More than 500 cases of bullying were reported in 2019.
Citations:
https://www.mcast.edu.mt/
Youth Guarantee Malta Implementation Plan p.22
https://newsbreak.edu.mt/2018/03/16/the-visual-performing-arts-school-is-a -fir st-in-malta/
https://nss.skola.edu.mt/
http://www.digital.edu.mt/
Budget Speech 2019 (English) p.83
Times of Malta 10/03/2015 Educators will be able to apply for sabbaticals
Malta Today 02/06/2016 €15 million invested in construction of new schools
The Malta Independent 28/06/2021 Malta’s Percentage of Early School Leavers Highest in EU
Central Bank of Malta 2021 An analysis of Educational Attainment in Malta
National Reform Programme Malta 2019 p. 42
Early Leaving From Education and Training Policy – The Way Forward 2020-2030
News Book 11/06/21 Distinguished Result for Maltese Students in International Mental Mathematics Competition
https://www.oecd.org/pisa/publications/PISA2018_CN_MLT.pdf
Times of Malta 29/08/2021 Reform Malta’s Education System, Experts Insist
Claudia Vallejo and Melinda Dooly, (2008) Educational Policies that address Social Inequalities: Country Report Malta p. 16
https://businessnow.mt/maltas-skills-gap-e3-million-census-to-serve-as-basis-for-human-capital-employment-skills-data/
The Malta Independent 05/09/2021 Poor Exam Results Just Tip of Failing Education System
Malta Today 02/12/2021 Italian Kids in Maltese Schools Facing Integration Problems
News Book 21/07/2021 “Cyberbullying in children and adults is increasing” – brave
Times of Malta 21/02/2021 Over 500 Cases of Bullying Reported in Malta’s Schools in 2019
European Commission, Organisation of its educational system and its structure
https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/organisation-education-system-and-its-structure-49_e
Brainstats: World ranking of countries by their average IQ
Graph View
To what extent does social policy prevent exclusion and decoupling from society?
10
9
9
Policies very effectively enable societal inclusion and ensure equal opportunities.
8
7
6
7
6
For the most part, policies enable societal inclusion effectively and ensure equal opportunities.
5
4
3
4
3
For the most part, policies fail to prevent societal exclusion effectively and ensure equal opportunities.
2
1
1
Policies exacerbate unequal opportunities and exclusion from society.
Malta has a consolidated social benefits system that supports those with low incomes. In addition, healthcare and education are available free of charge. A failure to adjust pension and welfare benefit levels previous to 2013 had increased the risk of poverty among the unemployed and the elderly, significantly increasing their risk of social exclusion. To this end, budgetary measures have been introduced in recent years with the aim of raising benefit levels within the lower pension band, while also creating incentives to bring people back to work. The 2022 budget reiterated this stance, and included another rise in pensions as well as a range of allowances and bonuses aimed at ameliorating the conditions of disadvantaged groups. Various schemes and benefits have been introduced with the aim of counteracting the negative effects that the pandemic could have on some strata of Maltese society.
Social security expenditures totaled €693.6 million between January and September 2021, 3.4% higher than the expenditure for the previous year. Between 2010 and 2019, the in-work but at-risk-of-poverty rate increased from 5.28% to 6.5%. In 2020, primarily due to temporary contracts, 19.9% of the population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion, slightly lower than the EU average of 21.9%. According to the latest European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions Survey, single-parent households, households with three or more dependent children, and women across all age groups are more prone to poverty.
Despite low unemployment rates, Malta’s economic-inactivity rate remains high among those with mental-health problems, women and the elderly, which affects the ability of these groups to access government benefits. Rising house prices have long been regarded as a source of concern, with the increasing demand for rental accommodation directly affecting lower-income Maltese tenants. To this end, new rent regulations were introduced in 2021 with the aim of creating appropriate safeguards for renters. The 2020 budget introduced a range of measures to ensure that vulnerable groups have adequate access to housing options. These included subsidies to help young people acquire their first property and subsidies for rental accommodation. The 2022 budget highlighted the fact that 1,200 social housing apartments are currently nearing completion, while a number of new measures (e.g., an intergenerational living program) are in the pipeline. Data on the number of homeless individuals in Malta is absent or incomplete. However, estimates indicate that there could be around 300 individuals living in this condition, while another 3,000 live in garages. Meanwhile, food price increases have been double the EU average, with the number of families making use of food banks increasing 10-fold over the last four years and doubling at the height of the pandemic. Increased food prices were the driver behind the increased rate of inflation at the end of 2021.
The number of disabled people in the workforce has increased significantly since a new enforcement policy was implemented in 2017, although there remains room for improvement. The 2020 budget also provides new and expanded financial support for disabled persons unable to work, while the 2022 budget removed the means test for severe disability assistance. Foreigners, and particularly migrants from outside the European Union, are also likely to be at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The country’s first migrant-integration strategy was launched at the end of 2017. Nonetheless, integration remains a key concern, facilitating marginalization, particularly in localities with large non-EU migrant communities where children of African parents face poverty.
Several budgetary measures have been introduced over the last few years to address cross-cutting social problems. These include supplementary benefits for children, breakfast at school, free school transport, greater support for low-income working parents through the creation of after-school clubs for their children, an annual fiscal incentive for people to invest in pensions programs, an annual €10,000 grant for schools to assist disadvantaged students, a bonus for senior citizens over the age of 75, and free public transport for the elderly and students. There is greater emphasis on increasing the minimum wage to reflect the true cost of living, subsidizing water and electricity costs for those most affected by the pandemic, and introducing digital cash for low-income earners.
Citations:
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Living_conditions_in_Europe_-_poverty_and_social_exclusion#Key_findings
Budget Speech 2022 (English) p. 5, p. 16, p. 17
National Statistics Office (NSO) News Release 196/2021
European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions(NSO) News Release 175/2021 p. 5, p.10
The Malta Independent 19/05/2021 ‘Historic’ New Controlled Leases Law Amending Pre-1995 Rent Laws Will Commence on 1 June
The Malta Independent 11/10/2021 Budget 2022: Accommodation – 1,200 social Apartments Nearing Completion
Malta Daily 06/12/2021 300 People in Malta are Currently Homeless While 3,000 Live in Garages
Times of Malta 07/12/2019 Foodbank Feeding 10 Times More People Than Four Years Ago
Times of Malta 13/04/2020 Foodbank Is Now Feeding Twice As Many Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
Times of Malta 20/12/2021 Food Prices Continue to Push Inflation
Times of Malta 15/12/2017 Malta gets a migrant-integration strategy
Budget 2017 Speech (Maltese) p. 134, p. 138
Times of Malta 22/10/2018 Budget 2019 at a glance
Budget 2016 Speech (English) p. 31
Budget 2015 Speech (English) p. 49
Social security expenditures totaled €693.6 million between January and September 2021, 3.4% higher than the expenditure for the previous year. Between 2010 and 2019, the in-work but at-risk-of-poverty rate increased from 5.28% to 6.5%. In 2020, primarily due to temporary contracts, 19.9% of the population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion, slightly lower than the EU average of 21.9%. According to the latest European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions Survey, single-parent households, households with three or more dependent children, and women across all age groups are more prone to poverty.
Despite low unemployment rates, Malta’s economic-inactivity rate remains high among those with mental-health problems, women and the elderly, which affects the ability of these groups to access government benefits. Rising house prices have long been regarded as a source of concern, with the increasing demand for rental accommodation directly affecting lower-income Maltese tenants. To this end, new rent regulations were introduced in 2021 with the aim of creating appropriate safeguards for renters. The 2020 budget introduced a range of measures to ensure that vulnerable groups have adequate access to housing options. These included subsidies to help young people acquire their first property and subsidies for rental accommodation. The 2022 budget highlighted the fact that 1,200 social housing apartments are currently nearing completion, while a number of new measures (e.g., an intergenerational living program) are in the pipeline. Data on the number of homeless individuals in Malta is absent or incomplete. However, estimates indicate that there could be around 300 individuals living in this condition, while another 3,000 live in garages. Meanwhile, food price increases have been double the EU average, with the number of families making use of food banks increasing 10-fold over the last four years and doubling at the height of the pandemic. Increased food prices were the driver behind the increased rate of inflation at the end of 2021.
The number of disabled people in the workforce has increased significantly since a new enforcement policy was implemented in 2017, although there remains room for improvement. The 2020 budget also provides new and expanded financial support for disabled persons unable to work, while the 2022 budget removed the means test for severe disability assistance. Foreigners, and particularly migrants from outside the European Union, are also likely to be at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The country’s first migrant-integration strategy was launched at the end of 2017. Nonetheless, integration remains a key concern, facilitating marginalization, particularly in localities with large non-EU migrant communities where children of African parents face poverty.
Several budgetary measures have been introduced over the last few years to address cross-cutting social problems. These include supplementary benefits for children, breakfast at school, free school transport, greater support for low-income working parents through the creation of after-school clubs for their children, an annual fiscal incentive for people to invest in pensions programs, an annual €10,000 grant for schools to assist disadvantaged students, a bonus for senior citizens over the age of 75, and free public transport for the elderly and students. There is greater emphasis on increasing the minimum wage to reflect the true cost of living, subsidizing water and electricity costs for those most affected by the pandemic, and introducing digital cash for low-income earners.
Citations:
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Living_conditions_in_Europe_-_poverty_and_social_exclusion#Key_findings
Budget Speech 2022 (English) p. 5, p. 16, p. 17
National Statistics Office (NSO) News Release 196/2021
European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions(NSO) News Release 175/2021 p. 5, p.10
The Malta Independent 19/05/2021 ‘Historic’ New Controlled Leases Law Amending Pre-1995 Rent Laws Will Commence on 1 June
The Malta Independent 11/10/2021 Budget 2022: Accommodation – 1,200 social Apartments Nearing Completion
Malta Daily 06/12/2021 300 People in Malta are Currently Homeless While 3,000 Live in Garages
Times of Malta 07/12/2019 Foodbank Feeding 10 Times More People Than Four Years Ago
Times of Malta 13/04/2020 Foodbank Is Now Feeding Twice As Many Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
Times of Malta 20/12/2021 Food Prices Continue to Push Inflation
Times of Malta 15/12/2017 Malta gets a migrant-integration strategy
Budget 2017 Speech (Maltese) p. 134, p. 138
Times of Malta 22/10/2018 Budget 2019 at a glance
Budget 2016 Speech (English) p. 31
Budget 2015 Speech (English) p. 49
Graph View
To what extent do health care policies provide high-quality, inclusive and cost-efficient health care?
10
9
9
Health care policy achieves the criteria fully.
8
7
6
7
6
Health care policy achieves the criteria largely.
5
4
3
4
3
Health care policy achieves the criteria partly.
2
1
1
Health care policy does not achieve the criteria at all.
Malta provides quality healthcare to all citizens, with extensive inpatient and outpatient hospital services offered for free. This is reinforced by agreements with the United Kingdom and Italy to service patients in need of special treatments that are unavailable locally. Vulnerable groups are entitled to state support for a list of prescription medications, and all citizens are entitled to free medicine for an extensive list of chronic diseases (e.g., high blood pressure and diabetes). Couples are entitled to IVF services, which had a success rate of 18.38% in 2020, 4.20 percentage points lower than in 2019. This is in part due to the lack of pre-implantation genetic testing. The government also supports oncology patients, providing otherwise expensive treatments for free.
Although Malta has experienced the largest real-terms growth rate in total health spending in the European Union over the last 10 years, its public funding healthcare share remains low at 63.5% when compared to the EU average of 79.7%. Health-related public expenditure was increased by an additional €130 million during 2020 to cater for pandemic-related expenses. Despite the island’s small size, Malta implemented a robust COVID-19 prevention and containment strategy. Ad hoc hospital facilities were set up, an efficient network of drive-thru testing facilities provided free access to swab tests from February 2020 onward and the country was declared the nation with the world’s highest vaccination rate in 2021.
The crowd-sourced data platform Numbeo currently ranks the Maltese healthcare system 17th among 36 European countries. However, gaps in the system are still prevalent. The state-run mental health hospital is regarded as providing sub-par services, abortion remains a criminal offense and the country consistently holds one of the highest obesity rates in the European Union. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted structural weaknesses in the healthcare sector, including low hospital capacity and insufficient investment in prevention, which accounted for 1.3% of total healthcare spending in 2018, which is less than half the EU average of 2.9%. Strengthening health promotion and prevention, and filling gaps in the healthcare workforce are key priorities. Commitments to enhance the use of digital healthcare, ongoing reforms to primary care, and investment in physical infrastructure and the healthcare workforce will help to build a more resilient healthcare system. Ensuring access to innovative medicines is a major challenge in Malta and has been a policy priority.
Malta fares well in terms of self-reported unmet need for medical care due to financial reasons with just 6% of the total population reporting such a need, compared to the EU average of 13%. Much has been done to reduce patient waiting times and it was recently announced that surgery waiting lists have been halved. In addition, 89% of the Maltese population in the highest income quintile report being in good health, compared with 58% of those in the lowest. These income-based disparities were much larger in Malta than on average in the European Union.
Healthcare delivery in Malta is dominated by the public sector with only a small number of private hospitals. Malta has fewer hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants than many of its European counterparts. While the country’s overall stock of doctors and nurses is close to the EU average, the number of specialists remains relatively low. Health-related expenditure is forecast to increase by 2.7 percentage points by 2070 compared to the EU average of 0.9 percentage points. Private and public GPs act as partial gatekeepers to public outpatient hospital services. However, many people choose to seek outpatient care directly from private specialists without a referral, often to circumvent long waiting lists for certain specialists in the public sector, essentially creating a de facto two-tier healthcare system. Strengthening primary care and the provision of outpatient services has been high on the government reform agenda in recent years.
The European Commission has indeed expressed concerns about Malta’s ability to sustain growing long-term care demands, and has recommended that Malta take action to ensure the sector’s sustainability. To this end, a new public-private partnership contract for three existing hospitals was agreed in 2015. However, the National Audit Office has recently identified more than 60 contractual breaches and gross negligence.
Citations:
Times of Malta 05/09/2012 Three health agreements signed with Italy
https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/cbhc/Pages/Entitlement/Reciprocal-A greement-MaltaUK.aspx
The Budget Speech 2022 (English) p.9
Times of Malta 06/0/2018 104 IVF births at Mater Dei in first two years
The Malta Independent 20/09/2015 Sir Anthony Mamo oncology center officially
State of Health in the EU – Malta Country Profile 2021 p.8
Times of Malta 06/07/2021 Thanks a Million! - Malta Reaches Swab Testing Milestone
https://fortune.com/2021/07/01/malta-worlds-highest-vaccination-rate-covid-vaccines/
https://www.numbeo.com/health-care/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2021®ion=150
Times of Malta 17/01/2021 Opinion: Inside Mount Carmel’s Cold Walls – Aloisia Camilleri
https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/27/proposal-to-decriminalise-abortion-in-malta-sparks-debate
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210721-2
https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_un1e&lang=en
https://theisland.mt/lifestyle/health/surgery-waiting-time-nearly-reduced-by-half-at-mater-dei-hospital/
Health systems in transition vol 19 no 1 2017 Malta Health System Review, N Azzopardi Muscat, N Buttigieg, N Calleja, S Merkur, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
State of health in the EU: Malta, country health profile 2017, OECD, European observatory on health systems and policies
Commission Staff Working Document – Country Report Malta 2019 SWD (2019) 1017 final p.20
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION delivering a Council opinion on the 2021 Stability Programme of Malta COM(2021) 518 final
Times of Malta 02/01/2022 ‘60 Breaches’
EU Commission: State of the Health in the EU Malta 2021
Although Malta has experienced the largest real-terms growth rate in total health spending in the European Union over the last 10 years, its public funding healthcare share remains low at 63.5% when compared to the EU average of 79.7%. Health-related public expenditure was increased by an additional €130 million during 2020 to cater for pandemic-related expenses. Despite the island’s small size, Malta implemented a robust COVID-19 prevention and containment strategy. Ad hoc hospital facilities were set up, an efficient network of drive-thru testing facilities provided free access to swab tests from February 2020 onward and the country was declared the nation with the world’s highest vaccination rate in 2021.
The crowd-sourced data platform Numbeo currently ranks the Maltese healthcare system 17th among 36 European countries. However, gaps in the system are still prevalent. The state-run mental health hospital is regarded as providing sub-par services, abortion remains a criminal offense and the country consistently holds one of the highest obesity rates in the European Union. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted structural weaknesses in the healthcare sector, including low hospital capacity and insufficient investment in prevention, which accounted for 1.3% of total healthcare spending in 2018, which is less than half the EU average of 2.9%. Strengthening health promotion and prevention, and filling gaps in the healthcare workforce are key priorities. Commitments to enhance the use of digital healthcare, ongoing reforms to primary care, and investment in physical infrastructure and the healthcare workforce will help to build a more resilient healthcare system. Ensuring access to innovative medicines is a major challenge in Malta and has been a policy priority.
Malta fares well in terms of self-reported unmet need for medical care due to financial reasons with just 6% of the total population reporting such a need, compared to the EU average of 13%. Much has been done to reduce patient waiting times and it was recently announced that surgery waiting lists have been halved. In addition, 89% of the Maltese population in the highest income quintile report being in good health, compared with 58% of those in the lowest. These income-based disparities were much larger in Malta than on average in the European Union.
Healthcare delivery in Malta is dominated by the public sector with only a small number of private hospitals. Malta has fewer hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants than many of its European counterparts. While the country’s overall stock of doctors and nurses is close to the EU average, the number of specialists remains relatively low. Health-related expenditure is forecast to increase by 2.7 percentage points by 2070 compared to the EU average of 0.9 percentage points. Private and public GPs act as partial gatekeepers to public outpatient hospital services. However, many people choose to seek outpatient care directly from private specialists without a referral, often to circumvent long waiting lists for certain specialists in the public sector, essentially creating a de facto two-tier healthcare system. Strengthening primary care and the provision of outpatient services has been high on the government reform agenda in recent years.
The European Commission has indeed expressed concerns about Malta’s ability to sustain growing long-term care demands, and has recommended that Malta take action to ensure the sector’s sustainability. To this end, a new public-private partnership contract for three existing hospitals was agreed in 2015. However, the National Audit Office has recently identified more than 60 contractual breaches and gross negligence.
Citations:
Times of Malta 05/09/2012 Three health agreements signed with Italy
https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/cbhc/Pages/Entitlement/Reciprocal-A greement-MaltaUK.aspx
The Budget Speech 2022 (English) p.9
Times of Malta 06/0/2018 104 IVF births at Mater Dei in first two years
The Malta Independent 20/09/2015 Sir Anthony Mamo oncology center officially
State of Health in the EU – Malta Country Profile 2021 p.8
Times of Malta 06/07/2021 Thanks a Million! - Malta Reaches Swab Testing Milestone
https://fortune.com/2021/07/01/malta-worlds-highest-vaccination-rate-covid-vaccines/
https://www.numbeo.com/health-care/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2021®ion=150
Times of Malta 17/01/2021 Opinion: Inside Mount Carmel’s Cold Walls – Aloisia Camilleri
https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/27/proposal-to-decriminalise-abortion-in-malta-sparks-debate
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210721-2
https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_un1e&lang=en
https://theisland.mt/lifestyle/health/surgery-waiting-time-nearly-reduced-by-half-at-mater-dei-hospital/
Health systems in transition vol 19 no 1 2017 Malta Health System Review, N Azzopardi Muscat, N Buttigieg, N Calleja, S Merkur, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
State of health in the EU: Malta, country health profile 2017, OECD, European observatory on health systems and policies
Commission Staff Working Document – Country Report Malta 2019 SWD (2019) 1017 final p.20
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION delivering a Council opinion on the 2021 Stability Programme of Malta COM(2021) 518 final
Times of Malta 02/01/2022 ‘60 Breaches’
EU Commission: State of the Health in the EU Malta 2021
Graph View
To what extent do family support policies enable women to combine parenting with participation in the labor market?
10
9
9
Family support policies effectively enable women to combine parenting with employment.
8
7
6
7
6
Family support policies provide some support for women who want to combine parenting and employment.
5
4
3
4
3
Family support policies provide only few opportunities for women who want to combine parenting and employment.
2
1
1
Family support policies force most women to opt for either parenting or employment.
With a 22% difference between men and women, Malta has the highest gender-based employment gap in the European Union. However, women’s participation in the informal economy (which accounts for 21% of GDP) may make this figure somewhat inaccurate. Malta also has the largest share of inactive women due to care responsibilities in the European Union. In the Global Gender Gap Index for 2021, Malta was ranked 84th out of 156 countries. Women score low in terms of formal political and economic engagement. However, the latest index has shown a slight improvement, which might be boosted further by the gender corrective mechanism legislation that was introduced recently, and women score well in terms of educational attainment.
Malta ranked 13th within the European Union on the 2021 Gender Equality Index, scoring 62 out of 100 points. The country has moved toward gender equality at a faster rate than the EU average, but remains slightly lower than the overall EU average of 68. Mean monthly earnings almost tripled for women and men between 2006 and 2014, but the gender gap persists, with women earning an average of 11% less than men. However, the gap widens to 16% among high-income earners. Women only make up 7.4% of managerial positions in the workforce and, though women with a high level of education make up 34.5% of the female workforce, only 13.4% of women held managerial roles.
Since 2017, nearly 40,000 women have (re-)joined the workforce. Labor market participation rates are high for women aged 30 or less, but this figure decreases for subsequent age brackets. In recent years, new workplace policies were designed to ensure that employed parents retain or are able to return to their jobs. This has included parental leave (both maternity and paternity leave), reduced working hours, career breaks, the introduction of financial and tax incentives for mothers returning to work, free childcare centers, school breakfasts, after-school clubs, tapering of benefits, in-work benefits, and lifelong-learning programs. These measures are enabling more women to enter and remain in the labor market. However, research indicates that the pandemic has had a negative influence on mental health. Personal work-life balance became increasingly precarious with job losses, and reduced support from childcare, school facilities and extended families. The pandemic thus exacerbated gender inequality in the family, since women continue to be the primary care givers. Female participation in the workforce declined in 2020 and 2021, and reached pre-COVID-19 figures in 2022.
The parents of more than 15,800 children are benefiting from free childcare facilities. As a result, Malta experienced a large boost in the labor market participation rate and currently surpasses the EU average (77.3% compared to 72.1% in 2021). Since 2015, employers have been legally obliged to contribute the equivalent of 0.3% of each employee’s salary, irrespective of the employee’s gender, to the Maternity Leave Trust Fund. The 2022 budget has introduced and continued to consolidate measures that benefit families, such as the extension of free childcare to support parents that work shifts and weekends, an increased bonus of €400 for every child born or adopted, increased allowances to support families with disabled children, and in-school support for materially disadvantaged students. The introduction of free childcare services for jobless parents is also being explored.
Citations:
Times of Malta 28/10/2021 Malta’s Gender Equality Gaps Are Narrowing, But Full-Time Work Remains an Issue
Central Bank of Malta (2020) An Analysis of the Shadow Economy in Malta: A Currency Demand and MIMIC Model Approach
Times of Malta 03/12/2021 Malta Has Highest Share of Inactive Women Due to Care Responsibilities in EU
The Malta Independent 19/06/2021 Malta in the 2021 Global Gender Gap Report
https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2021/compare-countries
European Semester Thematic Factsheet – Women in the Labor Market p. 2
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Gender_pay_gap_statistics
Malta Today 24/12/2021 Gender Pay Gap Highest in Malta Among High-Income Earners
Commission Staff Working Document – Country Report Malta 2018 SWD (2018) 216 final p.2
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=EU_labour_market_-_quarterly_statistics#Main_indicators
Malta Today 30/01/2019 More Than 15,800 Children Benefiting from Free Child Care Services
The Budget Speech 2022 (English) p. 34, p. 10, p. 11, p. 17
Malta Today 25/06/2021 Free Childcare for Families with Jobless Parents Proposed
Malta Today 25/06/21 Covid19 effect on families
The Journal.mt More than 40,000 women joined or rejoined the workforce in 2017
NSO Malta 2021 Malta Labour force
NSO News release March 2019
Malta ranked 13th within the European Union on the 2021 Gender Equality Index, scoring 62 out of 100 points. The country has moved toward gender equality at a faster rate than the EU average, but remains slightly lower than the overall EU average of 68. Mean monthly earnings almost tripled for women and men between 2006 and 2014, but the gender gap persists, with women earning an average of 11% less than men. However, the gap widens to 16% among high-income earners. Women only make up 7.4% of managerial positions in the workforce and, though women with a high level of education make up 34.5% of the female workforce, only 13.4% of women held managerial roles.
Since 2017, nearly 40,000 women have (re-)joined the workforce. Labor market participation rates are high for women aged 30 or less, but this figure decreases for subsequent age brackets. In recent years, new workplace policies were designed to ensure that employed parents retain or are able to return to their jobs. This has included parental leave (both maternity and paternity leave), reduced working hours, career breaks, the introduction of financial and tax incentives for mothers returning to work, free childcare centers, school breakfasts, after-school clubs, tapering of benefits, in-work benefits, and lifelong-learning programs. These measures are enabling more women to enter and remain in the labor market. However, research indicates that the pandemic has had a negative influence on mental health. Personal work-life balance became increasingly precarious with job losses, and reduced support from childcare, school facilities and extended families. The pandemic thus exacerbated gender inequality in the family, since women continue to be the primary care givers. Female participation in the workforce declined in 2020 and 2021, and reached pre-COVID-19 figures in 2022.
The parents of more than 15,800 children are benefiting from free childcare facilities. As a result, Malta experienced a large boost in the labor market participation rate and currently surpasses the EU average (77.3% compared to 72.1% in 2021). Since 2015, employers have been legally obliged to contribute the equivalent of 0.3% of each employee’s salary, irrespective of the employee’s gender, to the Maternity Leave Trust Fund. The 2022 budget has introduced and continued to consolidate measures that benefit families, such as the extension of free childcare to support parents that work shifts and weekends, an increased bonus of €400 for every child born or adopted, increased allowances to support families with disabled children, and in-school support for materially disadvantaged students. The introduction of free childcare services for jobless parents is also being explored.
Citations:
Times of Malta 28/10/2021 Malta’s Gender Equality Gaps Are Narrowing, But Full-Time Work Remains an Issue
Central Bank of Malta (2020) An Analysis of the Shadow Economy in Malta: A Currency Demand and MIMIC Model Approach
Times of Malta 03/12/2021 Malta Has Highest Share of Inactive Women Due to Care Responsibilities in EU
The Malta Independent 19/06/2021 Malta in the 2021 Global Gender Gap Report
https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2021/compare-countries
European Semester Thematic Factsheet – Women in the Labor Market p. 2
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Gender_pay_gap_statistics
Malta Today 24/12/2021 Gender Pay Gap Highest in Malta Among High-Income Earners
Commission Staff Working Document – Country Report Malta 2018 SWD (2018) 216 final p.2
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=EU_labour_market_-_quarterly_statistics#Main_indicators
Malta Today 30/01/2019 More Than 15,800 Children Benefiting from Free Child Care Services
The Budget Speech 2022 (English) p. 34, p. 10, p. 11, p. 17
Malta Today 25/06/2021 Free Childcare for Families with Jobless Parents Proposed
Malta Today 25/06/21 Covid19 effect on families
The Journal.mt More than 40,000 women joined or rejoined the workforce in 2017
NSO Malta 2021 Malta Labour force
NSO News release March 2019
Graph View
To what extent does pension policy realize goals of poverty prevention, intergenerational equity and fiscal sustainability?
10
9
9
Pension policy achieves the objectives fully.
8
7
6
7
6
Pension policy achieves the objectives largely.
5
4
3
4
3
Pension policy achieves the objectives partly.
2
1
1
Pension policy does not achieve the objectives at all.
Government expenditure on social security benefits amounted to €693.6 million up to September 2021, with an increase of €32.9 million for retirement pensions alone. Indeed, pensions represent a substantial public expenditure with projections indicating that pension-related expenditure will increase by 3.4% of GDP by 2060. This has been a major concern at the EU level and the sustainability of pensions has been a recurring point of concern in the European Commission’s Country Specific Recommendations over the last few years.
The Maltese pension system is based on a pay-as-you-go model as well as a means-tested noncontributory system. Until recently, pensions were not linked to inflation and considerable erosion in real value occurred. Although this has been partially rectified, the real value of pensions today cannot make up for decades of decline. Low tax ceilings have also meant that pensioners have been required to pay income tax on their pensions. As it stands, Malta’s pension system protects against absolute poverty, but does not constitute an adequate income replacement. Indeed, nearly 30% of pensioners are at risk of poverty and women, who receive 42% less than men in pensions, face the second highest gender pension gap in Europe.
In 2014, the parliament voted to introduce a third pillar to the pension system. However, it will be some time before this reform can reduce the stress of pension costs on public finances. Second-pillar pensions have not yet been introduced, though this is increasingly regarded as an important addition to the pension system. The government has introduced tax incentives for private individuals opting to invest in a private pension plan in Malta. These tax incentives are also applicable to corporations and employers. However, labor unions have called for greater government support for work-based pensions. A government scheme aims to encourage increased voluntary saving through a system of occupational pensions.
The Pension Strategy Group public consultation document published at the end of 2020 highlighted the importance of creating a multi-source, socially equitable pension system.
A number of measures have been taken since 2013 to address core shortcomings. The 2022 budget continues to build on previous years. The budget foresees raising tax exemption ceilings, and increases in retirement pensions, widows’ pensions, invalidity pensions and noncontributory age pensions. These increases will be coupled with other measures that target more specific issues for this cohort. These include adjustments for widows’ pensions, benefits for service pensions, an increase for pensioners (mainly women who have stayed home to look after children) who do not qualify for a contributory pension. The government is also considering proposals that address instances where older married individuals experience pension-related difficulties upon separation. This is a scenario that largely affects women that would have been out of the workforce for a long time to take care of the family home.
Citations:
National Statistics Office (NSO) News Release 196/2021
Long-Term Pension Projection For Malta: 2016-2070 p. viii
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION delivering a Council opinion on the 2021 Stability Programme of Malta COM(2021) 518 final
https://socialsecurity.gov.mt/en/information-and-applications-for-benefits-and-services/contributory-pensions/retirement-pension/pensions-information/
Malta Today 05/02/2021 The Gender Pension Gap Puts Women at a Greater Risk of Poverty
Times of Malta 04/12/2014 Third pillar pensions: a first step?
The Malta Independent 07/09/2017 Government launches scheme to incentivize voluntary occupational pension
The Pensions Strategy Group (2020) Strategic Review on the Adequacy, Sustainability, and Solidarity of the Pension System as Mandated by Article 64B of the Social Security Act p. 5
The Malta Independent 15/10/2015 Toward a sustainable pension system
The Budget Speech 2022 (English) p. 5, p. 6, p. 14
The Maltese pension system is based on a pay-as-you-go model as well as a means-tested noncontributory system. Until recently, pensions were not linked to inflation and considerable erosion in real value occurred. Although this has been partially rectified, the real value of pensions today cannot make up for decades of decline. Low tax ceilings have also meant that pensioners have been required to pay income tax on their pensions. As it stands, Malta’s pension system protects against absolute poverty, but does not constitute an adequate income replacement. Indeed, nearly 30% of pensioners are at risk of poverty and women, who receive 42% less than men in pensions, face the second highest gender pension gap in Europe.
In 2014, the parliament voted to introduce a third pillar to the pension system. However, it will be some time before this reform can reduce the stress of pension costs on public finances. Second-pillar pensions have not yet been introduced, though this is increasingly regarded as an important addition to the pension system. The government has introduced tax incentives for private individuals opting to invest in a private pension plan in Malta. These tax incentives are also applicable to corporations and employers. However, labor unions have called for greater government support for work-based pensions. A government scheme aims to encourage increased voluntary saving through a system of occupational pensions.
The Pension Strategy Group public consultation document published at the end of 2020 highlighted the importance of creating a multi-source, socially equitable pension system.
A number of measures have been taken since 2013 to address core shortcomings. The 2022 budget continues to build on previous years. The budget foresees raising tax exemption ceilings, and increases in retirement pensions, widows’ pensions, invalidity pensions and noncontributory age pensions. These increases will be coupled with other measures that target more specific issues for this cohort. These include adjustments for widows’ pensions, benefits for service pensions, an increase for pensioners (mainly women who have stayed home to look after children) who do not qualify for a contributory pension. The government is also considering proposals that address instances where older married individuals experience pension-related difficulties upon separation. This is a scenario that largely affects women that would have been out of the workforce for a long time to take care of the family home.
Citations:
National Statistics Office (NSO) News Release 196/2021
Long-Term Pension Projection For Malta: 2016-2070 p. viii
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION delivering a Council opinion on the 2021 Stability Programme of Malta COM(2021) 518 final
https://socialsecurity.gov.mt/en/information-and-applications-for-benefits-and-services/contributory-pensions/retirement-pension/pensions-information/
Malta Today 05/02/2021 The Gender Pension Gap Puts Women at a Greater Risk of Poverty
Times of Malta 04/12/2014 Third pillar pensions: a first step?
The Malta Independent 07/09/2017 Government launches scheme to incentivize voluntary occupational pension
The Pensions Strategy Group (2020) Strategic Review on the Adequacy, Sustainability, and Solidarity of the Pension System as Mandated by Article 64B of the Social Security Act p. 5
The Malta Independent 15/10/2015 Toward a sustainable pension system
The Budget Speech 2022 (English) p. 5, p. 6, p. 14
Graph View
How effectively do policies support the integration of migrants into society?
10
9
9
Cultural, education and social policies effectively support the integration of migrants into society.
8
7
6
7
6
Cultural, education and social policies seek to integrate migrants into society, but have failed to do so effectively.
5
4
3
4
3
Cultural, education and social policies do not focus on integrating migrants into society.
2
1
1
Cultural, education and social policies segregate migrant communities from the majority society.
Malta’s geographical location places it at the center of migration flows from Africa to Europe. On a per capita basis, the island has been known to receive a high number of migrants and asylum-seekers, with the numbers having increased drastically over the last decade. It is estimated that Malta received 20% of the persons rescued or intercepted by search and rescue teams following departure from Libya between January and August 2019. However, between January and October 2021, the island saw a 73% reduction when compared to the same period in 2020. Due to COVID-19 Malta’s ports were closed for a number of months. Access to closed detention centers was further restricted. In addition, all irregular migrants that disembarked in Malta were automatically detained. Additional legal and social issues emerged during the COVID-19 crisis, including a substantial rise in homelessness. Furthermore, access to healthcare, welfare, employment and judicial services were restricted, while residence cards were invalidated due to unemployment. The report by the CPT in 2020 stated that conditions of detention appeared to be bordering on inhuman and degrading treatment as a result of institutional neglect.
Malta was given a score of 48 out of 100 on the 2020 Migrant Integration Policy Index, which states that Malta’s current policies do not encourage the public to see immigrants as neighbors, equals and fellow citizens. It concludes that obstacles emerge for immigrants in Malta with regard to reuniting with their families, settling long-term and achieving citizenship, and participating in education and public life. Being unable to vote further restricts their access to public life.
Malta has begun to consolidate its policy approach to integration only recently, with a migrant/integration policy launched at the end of 2017. Under the current government, the Ministry for Home Affairs is responsible for migration together with various governmental stakeholders. The Human Rights Directorate is responsible for the provision of integration courses, including Maltese and English language classes, as well as cultural-orientation classes, awareness campaigns and integration measures. The unit is also implementing the EU-funded “I Belong” program. Meanwhile, the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum-Seekers is responsible for the provision of some services, including employment, housing, education, healthcare and welfare information. The agency is also a facilitator between public services and serves as a pre-integration functionary. The Office of the Refugee Commissioner spearheads important initiatives, such as the new initial reception centers, the creation of a work registration system and detention policy reform.
A large number of migrants have been granted subsidiary or humanitarian protection. UNHCR figures indicate a rejection rate of 21% for the first seven months of 2019. In 2016, the government introduced a new migration strategy, which terminated the practice of automatic detention. Moreover, refugees and asylum-seekers granted protection are eligible for unemployment benefits. Maltese legislation has now been brought in line with EU Directive 2003/86 and the relevant domestic law was amended in 2017 to facilitate family reunification, especially in the case of refugees. These reforms aim to lessen the hardship on migrants seeking work and their own accommodation. Furthermore, the Malta Declaration was signed by all EU member state leaders in February 2017 as the first step toward concrete solutions for combating illegal migrant routes across the Mediterranean. Coordination centers were set up in Malta and Libya in 2020 in a joint effort to reduce migratory pressures originating in North Africa.
Evidence of poverty and homelessness among migrants indicates the need for the government to allocate more resources to this group. A recent ministerial policy, which limits access to employment for asylum-seekers from a list of “safe countries,” is regarded by the Malta Refugee Council and various NGOs as a way to push migrants even closer to poverty.
The incidence of rent-related exploitation has also increased. Integration difficulties in communities with large migrant populations remain especially pronounced, while numerous riots in detention centers have highlighted ongoing difficulties. Malta’s migrant relocation system has often been characterized by disorganization, a lack of coordination, deficiencies in information provision, a lack of sensitivity toward migrant experiences, and low-quality conditions at the migrant reception center and other migrant service centers.
Improved watchdog and oversight mechanisms are needed to ensure that the migrant workforce is not exploited. The current system for the care of young unaccompanied migrants (which account for about a fourth of all arrivals) remains inadequate. Current arrangements fail to ensure the appointment of legal guardians with sufficient experience in asylum issues. There is also a need to build capacities within local communities to prevent migrants from becoming ghettoized. The issue of citizenship for the children of asylum-seekers born in Malta also needs to be urgently reassessed. Currently, these children have no right to citizenship. Statistics indicate that the number of foreign students in the country’s primary and secondary schools has increased by 700% over the last 10 years, which may also lead to integration challenges in the future. Indeed, a study of this cohort found that a third of these students have been bullied at school, while almost half experience name-calling on a daily basis.
Citations:
https://www.unhcr.org/mt/figures-at-a-glance
https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/MHAS-Departments/awas/Pages/Migration-Scenario.aspx
https://humanrights.gov.mt/en/Pages/default.aspx
https://humanrights.gov.mt/en/Pages/Intercultural%20and%20Anti-Racism%20Unit/I-Belong-Courses.aspx
https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/MHAS-Departments/awas/Pages/AWAS.aspx
https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/mhas-departme nts/the%20office%20of%20the%20refugee%20commissioner/Pages/Refugee.aspx
https://www.mipex.eu/malta
UNHCR Malta Factsheet 2021
Malta Today 30/12/2021 Former Prison Boss Alex Dalli Part of Migration Coordination Centre with Libya
Times of Malta 04/06/2021 Refugee Council Warns New Policy Driving People Into Poverty and Marginalisation
Malta Today 20/12/2021 Five Jailed Over 2020 Safi Riots
Times of Malta 07/02/2021 Migrant Detention Numbers Shrink, Fears About Child Detainees Remain
https://www.unhcr.org/mt/refugee-status
Malta Today 05/03/2021 State Schools Took Bulk of International Students with 700% Increase: Data
Times of Malta 20/06/19 They don’t let me play at school because I am Syrian
https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/study-shows-high-levels-exclusion-and-bullying-foreign-minors-malta_en
Report to the Maltese Government on the visit to Malta carried out by the European Committee for the prevention of torture and inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment 17-22 September 2020
Malta was given a score of 48 out of 100 on the 2020 Migrant Integration Policy Index, which states that Malta’s current policies do not encourage the public to see immigrants as neighbors, equals and fellow citizens. It concludes that obstacles emerge for immigrants in Malta with regard to reuniting with their families, settling long-term and achieving citizenship, and participating in education and public life. Being unable to vote further restricts their access to public life.
Malta has begun to consolidate its policy approach to integration only recently, with a migrant/integration policy launched at the end of 2017. Under the current government, the Ministry for Home Affairs is responsible for migration together with various governmental stakeholders. The Human Rights Directorate is responsible for the provision of integration courses, including Maltese and English language classes, as well as cultural-orientation classes, awareness campaigns and integration measures. The unit is also implementing the EU-funded “I Belong” program. Meanwhile, the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum-Seekers is responsible for the provision of some services, including employment, housing, education, healthcare and welfare information. The agency is also a facilitator between public services and serves as a pre-integration functionary. The Office of the Refugee Commissioner spearheads important initiatives, such as the new initial reception centers, the creation of a work registration system and detention policy reform.
A large number of migrants have been granted subsidiary or humanitarian protection. UNHCR figures indicate a rejection rate of 21% for the first seven months of 2019. In 2016, the government introduced a new migration strategy, which terminated the practice of automatic detention. Moreover, refugees and asylum-seekers granted protection are eligible for unemployment benefits. Maltese legislation has now been brought in line with EU Directive 2003/86 and the relevant domestic law was amended in 2017 to facilitate family reunification, especially in the case of refugees. These reforms aim to lessen the hardship on migrants seeking work and their own accommodation. Furthermore, the Malta Declaration was signed by all EU member state leaders in February 2017 as the first step toward concrete solutions for combating illegal migrant routes across the Mediterranean. Coordination centers were set up in Malta and Libya in 2020 in a joint effort to reduce migratory pressures originating in North Africa.
Evidence of poverty and homelessness among migrants indicates the need for the government to allocate more resources to this group. A recent ministerial policy, which limits access to employment for asylum-seekers from a list of “safe countries,” is regarded by the Malta Refugee Council and various NGOs as a way to push migrants even closer to poverty.
The incidence of rent-related exploitation has also increased. Integration difficulties in communities with large migrant populations remain especially pronounced, while numerous riots in detention centers have highlighted ongoing difficulties. Malta’s migrant relocation system has often been characterized by disorganization, a lack of coordination, deficiencies in information provision, a lack of sensitivity toward migrant experiences, and low-quality conditions at the migrant reception center and other migrant service centers.
Improved watchdog and oversight mechanisms are needed to ensure that the migrant workforce is not exploited. The current system for the care of young unaccompanied migrants (which account for about a fourth of all arrivals) remains inadequate. Current arrangements fail to ensure the appointment of legal guardians with sufficient experience in asylum issues. There is also a need to build capacities within local communities to prevent migrants from becoming ghettoized. The issue of citizenship for the children of asylum-seekers born in Malta also needs to be urgently reassessed. Currently, these children have no right to citizenship. Statistics indicate that the number of foreign students in the country’s primary and secondary schools has increased by 700% over the last 10 years, which may also lead to integration challenges in the future. Indeed, a study of this cohort found that a third of these students have been bullied at school, while almost half experience name-calling on a daily basis.
Citations:
https://www.unhcr.org/mt/figures-at-a-glance
https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/MHAS-Departments/awas/Pages/Migration-Scenario.aspx
https://humanrights.gov.mt/en/Pages/default.aspx
https://humanrights.gov.mt/en/Pages/Intercultural%20and%20Anti-Racism%20Unit/I-Belong-Courses.aspx
https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/MHAS-Departments/awas/Pages/AWAS.aspx
https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/en/mhas-departme nts/the%20office%20of%20the%20refugee%20commissioner/Pages/Refugee.aspx
https://www.mipex.eu/malta
UNHCR Malta Factsheet 2021
Malta Today 30/12/2021 Former Prison Boss Alex Dalli Part of Migration Coordination Centre with Libya
Times of Malta 04/06/2021 Refugee Council Warns New Policy Driving People Into Poverty and Marginalisation
Malta Today 20/12/2021 Five Jailed Over 2020 Safi Riots
Times of Malta 07/02/2021 Migrant Detention Numbers Shrink, Fears About Child Detainees Remain
https://www.unhcr.org/mt/refugee-status
Malta Today 05/03/2021 State Schools Took Bulk of International Students with 700% Increase: Data
Times of Malta 20/06/19 They don’t let me play at school because I am Syrian
https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/study-shows-high-levels-exclusion-and-bullying-foreign-minors-malta_en
Report to the Maltese Government on the visit to Malta carried out by the European Committee for the prevention of torture and inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment 17-22 September 2020
Graph View
How effectively does internal security policy protect citizens against security risks?
10
9
9
Internal security policy protects citizens against security risks very effectively.
8
7
6
7
6
Internal security policy protects citizens against security risks more or less effectively.
5
4
3
4
3
Internal security policy does not effectively protect citizens against security risks.
2
1
1
Internal security policy exacerbates the security risks.
Malta is generally considered a safe place to live. A CrimeMalta 2021 report noted that crime rates had decreased during 2020, partly due to the exceptional pandemic-related circumstances.
Nonetheless, cases of fraud have increased, and conflicts between criminal organizations involved in drug-trafficking and money laundering occur from time to time. Femicide is also a concern in a society still underpinned by patriarchal societal notions. Malta ranked 36 in the Women’s Peace and Security Index. A report by the Women’s Right Foundation stated that, though Malta had implemented the Istanbul Convention in 2018, the laws in place do not fully protect women who experience domestic violence. Only one in three sexual assaults are reported to the police in Malta, and between 2010 and 2015 25% of murders committed were related to domestic violence and femicide. The car bombing of a well-known Maltese journalist in 2017 has since garnered intense international attention, but the arrest of the alleged murderers and the alleged mastermind has enabled police to resolve other murders and high-profile robberies.
The state faces few external security threats, making it difficult to assess local readiness or the state’s ability to protect citizens if such threats were to materialize. This is particularly significant given Malta’s geographic location and open borders with other Schengen-area members. Numbeo recently ranked Malta 53rd worldwide on its Safety Index, based on data compiled in mid-2021.
Malta is affiliated with Interpol and is party to several cross-border security cooperation efforts, particularly those coordinated by the European Union. Frontex operations in the Mediterranean area are also of pivotal importance to the island, particularly within the context of irregular migration and drug smuggling.
Malta’s Secret Service is small, and depends heavily on intelligence from foreign intelligence services. The country has the fourth-highest number of police per 100,000 inhabitants in the European Union. Four police commissioners have
resigned over a five-year period. In 2020, one of the first moves of the new prime minister was the removal of the current police commissioner. Changes to the process of selecting the head of police, with the goal of enhancing
oversight were introduced. A policy revision that no longer requires police officers to have demonstrated clean conduct for the purposes of rehiring and promotion was not received well. A transformation strategy for the island’s police force is ongoing. Nonetheless, a 2021 Eurobarometer survey highlighted the fact that trust in Malta’s police forces is below the EU average. Nonetheless, 71% say that they trust the army. A total of 19 murders have remained unsolved in the last 10 years. Overall, the institutional capacity for dealing with organized crime has not kept pace with the rapid change in Malta’s economic and social structures. A 2021 Council of Europe report highlighted the fact that prosecutions in the area of human trafficking have typically resulted in acquittal’s and proceedings are lengthy.
Meanwhile, the annual World Risk Report found Malta to be the second-safest country in the world when it comes to natural disasters.
Citations:
Prof. Saviour Formosa (2021) CrimeMalta Observatory Annual Crime Review 2021
Times of Malta 12/02/2020 Malta’s Femicide Problem
The Malta Independent 15/10/2021 US Embassy Calls for ‘Credible’ Conclusion to Investigations in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Murder
https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2021-mid&displayColumn=1
https://pulizija.gov.mt/en/police-force/police-sections/Pages/Interpol.aspx
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Police, _court_and_prison_personnel_statistics
The Malta Independent 04/10/2021 Police Trust Rating Up to 60% One Year on from Launch of Transformation Strategy
The Malta Independent 29/04/2021 Maltese Trust Police, Media Less Than EU Average, but Have More Faith in Health System
Lovin Malta 16/02/2021 Nineteen Murders In Malta Over The Last 10 Years Remain Unsolved
https://www.coe.int/en/web/anti-human-trafficking/-/greta-calls-on-malta-to-strengthen-and-guarantee-protection-for-victims-of-trafficking
World Risk Report 2021 p. 57
Times of Malta 21/01/2020 Robert Abela Announces new method of selecting Police Commissioner
Nonetheless, cases of fraud have increased, and conflicts between criminal organizations involved in drug-trafficking and money laundering occur from time to time. Femicide is also a concern in a society still underpinned by patriarchal societal notions. Malta ranked 36 in the Women’s Peace and Security Index. A report by the Women’s Right Foundation stated that, though Malta had implemented the Istanbul Convention in 2018, the laws in place do not fully protect women who experience domestic violence. Only one in three sexual assaults are reported to the police in Malta, and between 2010 and 2015 25% of murders committed were related to domestic violence and femicide. The car bombing of a well-known Maltese journalist in 2017 has since garnered intense international attention, but the arrest of the alleged murderers and the alleged mastermind has enabled police to resolve other murders and high-profile robberies.
The state faces few external security threats, making it difficult to assess local readiness or the state’s ability to protect citizens if such threats were to materialize. This is particularly significant given Malta’s geographic location and open borders with other Schengen-area members. Numbeo recently ranked Malta 53rd worldwide on its Safety Index, based on data compiled in mid-2021.
Malta is affiliated with Interpol and is party to several cross-border security cooperation efforts, particularly those coordinated by the European Union. Frontex operations in the Mediterranean area are also of pivotal importance to the island, particularly within the context of irregular migration and drug smuggling.
Malta’s Secret Service is small, and depends heavily on intelligence from foreign intelligence services. The country has the fourth-highest number of police per 100,000 inhabitants in the European Union. Four police commissioners have
resigned over a five-year period. In 2020, one of the first moves of the new prime minister was the removal of the current police commissioner. Changes to the process of selecting the head of police, with the goal of enhancing
oversight were introduced. A policy revision that no longer requires police officers to have demonstrated clean conduct for the purposes of rehiring and promotion was not received well. A transformation strategy for the island’s police force is ongoing. Nonetheless, a 2021 Eurobarometer survey highlighted the fact that trust in Malta’s police forces is below the EU average. Nonetheless, 71% say that they trust the army. A total of 19 murders have remained unsolved in the last 10 years. Overall, the institutional capacity for dealing with organized crime has not kept pace with the rapid change in Malta’s economic and social structures. A 2021 Council of Europe report highlighted the fact that prosecutions in the area of human trafficking have typically resulted in acquittal’s and proceedings are lengthy.
Meanwhile, the annual World Risk Report found Malta to be the second-safest country in the world when it comes to natural disasters.
Citations:
Prof. Saviour Formosa (2021) CrimeMalta Observatory Annual Crime Review 2021
Times of Malta 12/02/2020 Malta’s Femicide Problem
The Malta Independent 15/10/2021 US Embassy Calls for ‘Credible’ Conclusion to Investigations in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Murder
https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2021-mid&displayColumn=1
https://pulizija.gov.mt/en/police-force/police-sections/Pages/Interpol.aspx
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Police, _court_and_prison_personnel_statistics
The Malta Independent 04/10/2021 Police Trust Rating Up to 60% One Year on from Launch of Transformation Strategy
The Malta Independent 29/04/2021 Maltese Trust Police, Media Less Than EU Average, but Have More Faith in Health System
Lovin Malta 16/02/2021 Nineteen Murders In Malta Over The Last 10 Years Remain Unsolved
https://www.coe.int/en/web/anti-human-trafficking/-/greta-calls-on-malta-to-strengthen-and-guarantee-protection-for-victims-of-trafficking
World Risk Report 2021 p. 57
Times of Malta 21/01/2020 Robert Abela Announces new method of selecting Police Commissioner
Graph View
To what extent does the government demonstrate an active and coherent commitment to promoting equal socioeconomic opportunities in low- and middle-income countries?
10
9
9
The government actively and coherently engages in international efforts to promote equal socioeconomic opportunities in low- and middle-income countries. It frequently demonstrates initiative and responsibility, and acts as an agenda-setter.
8
7
6
7
6
The government actively engages in international efforts to promote equal socioeconomic opportunities in low- and middle-income countries. However, some of its measures or policies lack coherence.
5
4
3
4
3
The government shows limited engagement in international efforts to promote equal socioeconomic opportunities in low- and middle-income countries. Many of its measures or policies lack coherence.
2
1
1
The government does not contribute (and often undermines) efforts to promote equal socioeconomic opportunities in low- and middle-income countries.
The Maltese government has very limited opportunities to help shape or advance social inclusion beyond its borders. What little influence of this kind it has acquired is related to its participation in international organizations (such as the UN and WHO) and EU Ministerial Councils. In 2020, Malta reported that its overseas development aid (ODA) amounted to 0.44% of GNI.
Malta supports EU efforts to address the refugee crisis, while also providing support for the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Moreover, through the European Union, Malta contributes to the EU Emergency Trust Fund supported by the Joint Valletta Action Plan and the Malta Declaration during Malta’s EU presidency in 2017. Projects implemented by Maltese non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) also contribute significantly to development projects in other countries. The state also provides an increasing number of scholarships to young people from less developed states. During the current pandemic, Malta has provided a number of African countries with tens of thousands of vaccine doses to help them fight the spread of COVID-19.
Malta’s development policy attaches special importance to countries in the Horn of Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, the main source of asylum-seekers and clandestine immigrants to Malta. To this end, a Maltese High Commission was opened in Ghana, making it the country’s first mission to sub-Saharan Africa. Malta’s development policy also seeks to assist with development in Mediterranean states, notably North Africa and the Palestinian territories, providing scholarships and other forms of aid. Malta is one of 26 states serving as a permanent member of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. Malta also actively assists other small states throughout the Commonwealth by making available its acquired experience and expertise as a developed small island country. To this end, a Commonwealth small center of excellence has been set up on the island. In general, Malta follows the lead of the European Union, with its policies on tariffs in line with those agreed to in Brussels.
Between 2015 and 2018, Malta used its role as chair of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting to press for development in a number of areas, including polio eradication, financial support for poorer Commonwealth states, combating climate change and women’s rights. In June 2019, Malta additionally hosted the Summit of the Southern EU Countries with the aim of exploring issues of common interest in the Mediterranean region.
During the pandemic, Malta’s ports were frequently closed to asylum-seekers. In 2022, Malta along with Italy is being investigated by the International Criminal Court with regards to complaints of pushing migrants back to Libya. EU policy currently encourages the surveillance of refugees and migrants entering the European Union. FRONTEX uses drones to focus on Libya’s SAR where Libyan coast guards push refugees back. These missions mostly start from Malta.
Citations:
Times of Malta 17/10/2021 Malta Is Urged to Stop Inflating Its Aid Figures
Malta Today 10/09/2018 Malta to Endorse UN Global Compact on Migration
European Council 03/02/17 Malta Declaration by members of the European Council on the external aspects of migration
https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/regions/africa/eu-emergency-trust-fund /north-af rica_en
Malta Today 18/10/2019 Malta appoints its first ambassador to Ghana
European Commission Press Release Team Europe increased Official Development Assistance to €66.8 billion as the world’s leading donor in 2020
Newsbook 16/10/2018 Malta to be one of largest donors to Africa’s Emergency Trust Fund
https://thecommonwealth.org/small-states-centre-excellence
Times of Malta 26/11/2015 Commonwealth trade facility to be set up
Times of Malta 28/11/2015 Commonwealth can bridge divide on climate change
Times of Malta 27/11/2015 Financial services: ‘some of best growth opportunities in Commonwealth’
The Malta Independent 12/06/2019 Summit of the Southern EU Countries Being Held in Malta on Friday
Guardian 06/12/2021 Fortress Europe: The Millions Spent on Military grade tech to deter refugees
Malta Today 19/01/2022 International Criminal Court asked to Investigate Maltese, Italian Migrant Pushbacks
Malta supports EU efforts to address the refugee crisis, while also providing support for the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Moreover, through the European Union, Malta contributes to the EU Emergency Trust Fund supported by the Joint Valletta Action Plan and the Malta Declaration during Malta’s EU presidency in 2017. Projects implemented by Maltese non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) also contribute significantly to development projects in other countries. The state also provides an increasing number of scholarships to young people from less developed states. During the current pandemic, Malta has provided a number of African countries with tens of thousands of vaccine doses to help them fight the spread of COVID-19.
Malta’s development policy attaches special importance to countries in the Horn of Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, the main source of asylum-seekers and clandestine immigrants to Malta. To this end, a Maltese High Commission was opened in Ghana, making it the country’s first mission to sub-Saharan Africa. Malta’s development policy also seeks to assist with development in Mediterranean states, notably North Africa and the Palestinian territories, providing scholarships and other forms of aid. Malta is one of 26 states serving as a permanent member of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. Malta also actively assists other small states throughout the Commonwealth by making available its acquired experience and expertise as a developed small island country. To this end, a Commonwealth small center of excellence has been set up on the island. In general, Malta follows the lead of the European Union, with its policies on tariffs in line with those agreed to in Brussels.
Between 2015 and 2018, Malta used its role as chair of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting to press for development in a number of areas, including polio eradication, financial support for poorer Commonwealth states, combating climate change and women’s rights. In June 2019, Malta additionally hosted the Summit of the Southern EU Countries with the aim of exploring issues of common interest in the Mediterranean region.
During the pandemic, Malta’s ports were frequently closed to asylum-seekers. In 2022, Malta along with Italy is being investigated by the International Criminal Court with regards to complaints of pushing migrants back to Libya. EU policy currently encourages the surveillance of refugees and migrants entering the European Union. FRONTEX uses drones to focus on Libya’s SAR where Libyan coast guards push refugees back. These missions mostly start from Malta.
Citations:
Times of Malta 17/10/2021 Malta Is Urged to Stop Inflating Its Aid Figures
Malta Today 10/09/2018 Malta to Endorse UN Global Compact on Migration
European Council 03/02/17 Malta Declaration by members of the European Council on the external aspects of migration
https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/regions/africa/eu-emergency-trust-fund /north-af rica_en
Malta Today 18/10/2019 Malta appoints its first ambassador to Ghana
European Commission Press Release Team Europe increased Official Development Assistance to €66.8 billion as the world’s leading donor in 2020
Newsbook 16/10/2018 Malta to be one of largest donors to Africa’s Emergency Trust Fund
https://thecommonwealth.org/small-states-centre-excellence
Times of Malta 26/11/2015 Commonwealth trade facility to be set up
Times of Malta 28/11/2015 Commonwealth can bridge divide on climate change
Times of Malta 27/11/2015 Financial services: ‘some of best growth opportunities in Commonwealth’
The Malta Independent 12/06/2019 Summit of the Southern EU Countries Being Held in Malta on Friday
Guardian 06/12/2021 Fortress Europe: The Millions Spent on Military grade tech to deter refugees
Malta Today 19/01/2022 International Criminal Court asked to Investigate Maltese, Italian Migrant Pushbacks