2020
Annual Report
Table of
Contents 03. Parliamentary Secretary’s
14.
26.
Key Figures
Passport Unit
Foreward
05.
17. Working around Covid-19
Chairperson’s Foreward
08. Identity Malta’s Mission Statement
09. Identity Malta Objectives
11. Board of Directors
12. 2020 Timeline of Events
Malta’s New Generation ePassport
Softcopy Searches Online Submission of Notes
Speech Code Facility
34.
eID Cards Unit
28.
Challenges Related to the Global Pandemic
Malta’s New eID Card
Expatriates Unit
Upcoming Projects
eID Security Features
Online Single Permit
CEO’s Foreward
07.
2020 Best Regional ID Document
Gender Neutrality & Bilingualism
18.
Central Visa Unit
Citizenship Unit
New Residence Document
20. Public Registry Unit
22. Wider Choice of Surnames after Marriage Maltese Names
24. Mater Dei IMA Office Amendments to the Cohabitation Act A Fairer Civil Code
30. Recommencement of Service Brexit: Malta was amongst the first EU Member States to start accepting new residency document applications
32. Simplified Alien Passport Procedure Reporting Unit Searches Unit Processed Search Orders
36. Gozo Office Identity Malta Community Employees’ Wellbeing Staff Development
38. Doing Our Part
Parliamentary Secretary’s Foreword There is nothing dearer to us than our identity. Our identity is that which distinguishes us from one another and simultaneously that which binds us as a nation.
Parliamentary Secretary
Alex Muscat
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fact, a new single permit online platform was launched, online birth and death notifications were made available, Malta’s new eID card with stronger security features was launched, and the website certifikati.gov.mt was revamped.
dentity Malta’s role could not be more vital on
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Such a sense of willingness to get things done
a national level. It is possibly the only agency
enabled the agency to focus not only on what
on the island that is present in our citizens’ lives
mattered most in the practical side of things, but
at every single milestone: be it birth, marriage,
also to consider measures that are improving
separation, or death. It is the only agency that
our citizens’ quality of life. A clear example is the
must be sought out by every single person
introduction of the measure that has set a wider
whose intentions are to reside here.
choice of surnames for couples and families.
The year 2020 was also unique in the amount
The urge to perform better and to strive
of challenges it brought along. The devastating
towards excellence is inherent both in this
effects of the global health pandemic were
Secretariat and in the agency itself. The way
felt by all nationally and internationally, yet
forward for Identity Malta is to have a clear
Identity Malta simply could not afford to halt
strategy, based on what it aims to accomplish
its operation. On the contrary, it amplified its
for the sake and benefit of all Maltese and
sense of duty towards the nation.
Gozitans and even all those residing in Malta.
The way in which Identity Malta responded to
This annual report is intended to shed light on
the pandemic should be used as an example of
the Agency’s work in a collected manner. We
efficiency and good practice. In April, shortly
strongly believe in the need to communicate
after the first outbreak in Malta, healthcare
what is being done, because a lot is being done.
professionals and live-in carers were granted
Whilst there is hope for 2021 to be an overall
an automatic extension period to stay in the
better year, we have come to learn that, come
Maltese islands. An immediate effort was
what may, a good sense of teamwork and a
undertaken to ramp up online services. In
great dose of determination can go a long way.
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CEO’s Foreword 2020 was not an ordinary year and in the face of COVID-19, we responded by shifting online. By doing so, Identity Malta ensured the continuation of service whilst protecting the safety and wellbeing of its employees and the general public.
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easier to access these popular services from the comfort of one’s home. Besides these changes, other important legal amendments came into act which enabled a wider choice of surnames after marriage and the use of Maltese diacritic letters when registering a newborn’s name. 2020 also marked the Agency’s commitment towards protecting citizens’
ut despite the impact of a global
identity from theft and document forgery.
pandemic, 2020 did not completely
After Malta’s new generation ePassport
derail us off tracks. As a matter of fact,
was awarded Best Regional ID Document
we initiated a series of incremental
of the year, Identity Malta enrolled Malta’s
changes which were primarily intended
new eID card, which stands out for its
to further simplify and accelerate the
security features.
single permit application process without compromising security. Surely, the single
Evidently, these have been trying times
permit digitalisation process and the
and as an Agency we have managed
newly introduced online appointment
to swiftly respond to address public
system have accelerated the course of
needs. Going online is now necessary
actions, doing away with repeat visitors,
more than ever as we turn our focus on
double handling of work and long queues.
quality management. But ultimately, it is people and not just processes that
CEO
Anton Sevasta
Similarly, the Public Registry Office
bring about change and if it were not for
took a huge digital leap forward. The
Identity Malta’s staff perseverance and
introduction of the new online birth and
determination, none of this would have
death notification service as well as the
materialised.
ċertifikati website revamp have made it
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Chairperson’s Foreword 2020 will go down as the year that changed the way we live, work, and interact. Indeed, the past couple of months were hard but there is a glimmer of hope as we edge ever closer to the return to “normality”. In reality, no one was prepared for what a global pandemic holds, and despite being large bureaucracies, government entities had to act fast and adapt quickly.
I
Undoubtedly, the valuable contribution of foreign workers towards Malta’s unprecedented economic growth, is acknowledged by all and Identity Malta was instrumental in facilitating this process. Following my appointment, I look forward to seeing Identity Malta grow and focus more on quality management. Together with the newly appointed Board Members and our CEO, we will firmly steer the Agency in achieving its set strategic goals and objectives.
n response to the COVID-19
Despite making steady progress, we
outbreak, Identity Malta migrated
strive to become better and to offer a
its services online and took an active
quality public service. Together with our
lead on a community-level; waiving
young and dynamic team, we are focused
marriage registration fees in case of
on becoming more customer-centric,
postponement, extending eID cards’
promoting a quality-driven culture which
validity and assisting foreigners stranded
exceeds public expectations.
in Malta who had their visa expired. Chairperson
Mario Galea
But in the aftermath of the pandemic, Identity Malta will have an even greater role in the country’s economic recovery.
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Identity Malta’s
Mission Statement
Identity Malta’s
Objectives
Identity Malta Agency was established in 2013 by virtue of Legal Notice 269 of 2013 and is responsible for citizens’ identity management and the implementation of migration processes. The Agency offers a specialized public service in matters relating to acts of civil status, eID cards, epassports, visas, expatriates’ affairs, and the registration of public deeds. These functions were grouped under one corporate body, which has its own separate legal identity and is governed by the Public Administration Act.
01. Malta’s identity management solution when it comes to eID, ePassport, Visa, Residence Document and Permit, Acts of Civil Status and Public Deed Registrations.
02. Derive policies and ensure the effective implementation of legal migration processes.
03. Protect citizens against identity theft and document forgery.
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Board of Directors The Board of Directors upholds the principles of good governance, oversees the Agency’s strategic direction, and is consulted on matters relating to policy. The Non-Executive Chairman and Board Members are appointed by the Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement for a period which does not exceed three years.
Non-Executive Chairperson Mr Mario Galea
Members Ms Diane Izzo Mr Andrew Agius Muscat Mr Clint Bajada Mr George Arrigo
Secretary Mr Ruben Schembri
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Visa Unit were relocated to
software testing of the
residency document
new identity card coming
following BREXIT.
to an end.
August
(back office) and the Central
to apply for their new
The Production and
Expatriates Unit
October
Expatriates Unit, Searches Unit
First call for UK citizens
July
IMA Corporate Office,
February
January
2020 Timeline of Events
New Board of Directors
recommenced with normal service.
Msida.
process.
Ministry for Home Affairs, National Security and Law
ePassport wins the prestigious award for Best
and live-in carers given 3 months automatic extension due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 outbreak:
New single permit online
new arrangements and
platform launched.
preventive measures in
available.
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June
May
place.
notifications made
Abela launches Malta’s new eID card.
New eResidence Card enters circulation.
appointed under the stewardship of Mr. Mario Galea as non-executive Chairman.
Healthcare professionals
Regional ID Document.
Online Birth and Death
Prime Minister Robert
Annual Pink October and ċertifikati.gov.mt website
Movember awareness
revamp.
campaign.
December
Malta’s new generation
April
March
Enforcement portfolio.
November
IMA is reassigned to the
September
Simplified Aliens’ Passport
Introduction of a wider choice of surnames for couples and children. “Ġanni” was the first Maltese name registered on the Public Registry software with the use of Maltese diacritic letters.
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Key
Figures
316
+440,000
IMA employees.
emails and
+70,000 calls answered.
56,200 certificates 12,511 Total Public Registry Registrations.
of Civil Status issued;
52% purchased online.
4,155 local births registered.
3,570 local deaths registered.
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3,642 2,174 1,652 18,834 568 213 76,754 34,157 168,788 6,954 3,990 636
foreign notifications registered.
total number of annotations and adjustments. marriage banns published;
381 couples postponed their weddings.
passports issued.
requests for urgent passports. documents of identity and 133 emergency travel documents issued.
virtual eID accounts activated.
eIDs cards issued.
search orders and 65,223 notes processed.
single permit applications submitted online.
employers registered on https://singlepermit.gov.mt/
freedom of movement interview concluded.
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Working around
Statistics
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Identity
447
Covid-19
Malta devised a business contingency plan which was primarily intended to protect the wellbeing of
birth registration by mail.
its employees and customers, whilst ensuring the provision of service. As a result, the Agency did not close its doors, but quickly adopted new work practices. On a daily basis, Identity Malta touches people’s lives and in response to the pandemic, the Agency introduced new procedures which covered all aspects of life; from birth and death registration by mail, to the waiver of marriage registration fee in case of postponement and the automatic extension of 1,440 eID cards which were
148 death registration by mail.
381 couples had their marriage registration fee waived.
soon to expire. Furthermore, expatriates could renew their residence status online and foreigners who were stranded in Malta where authorized to stay until they could find a repatriation flight. In support of our front liners, 450 healthcare professionals, including live-in carers, had their single permit automatically extended by a further three
450 healthcare professionals had their single permit automatically extended by 3 months.
months. This was done electronically and without the need to visit our offices, thus, preventing the risk of spreading or contracting the virus. Evidently, these have been trying times. Going online is part of Identity Malta’s digital drive in making its services more accessible, adding up to a whole new way of doing business in the public sector.
1,440 eID cards were automatically extended.
316 employees.
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eID Cards Unit
eID Card
Security Features
The Identity Cards Unit issues electronic identity cards to Maltese citizens and registers e-ID virtual accounts.
Malta’s new electronic identity card is a high-level security document which has different layers of security features.
Statistics
Level 1 Overt or Public Recognition Features
2020 Total eID cards processed
The security features are visible to the naked eye without the use
34,157
New format eID cards issued
of any viewing device or specialist equipment.
10,697 (31%)
New eID (virtual) account activation
Level 2 Covert or Official Assist Features
76,754 (+87%)
eID PINs processed
1,352
eID Reset password
139,464
The security features can be detected by a trained person with the use of the correct viewing device such as a magnifying glass or UV lamp. Level 3 Forensic Features The security features can be detected with the use of a specialist verification or laboratory equipment.
Malta’s New
eID Card Identity Malta Agency is
Through the use of cutting-edge
accessed with the use of a Card
committed towards protecting
technology, the individual’s
Access Number (CAN).
citizens’ identity from the global
details are laser engraved on
threat of document forgery
a polycarbonate card and the
The new identification document
and the fraudulent use of one’s
biometric data is safely captured
also enables bearers to digitally
identity.
on an embedded contactless
sign documents and securely
chip. The data captured on
authenticate one’s identity when
The new Maltese eID card, which
the chip is securely protected
accessing e-Government services.
entered circulation last September,
with the use of a Public Key
was designed to ensure strong
Infrastructure (PKI) cryptography
Malta’s new eID card is issued on
performance, longevity as well as
which enables access controls
new or renewal applications, free
durability. It incorporates layers
and authentication levels.
of charge, and existing ID cards in
of highly sophisticated security
Furthermore, the new eID card
circulation will remain valid until
features which makes it extremely
is a contactless card and the
the document’s expiry date.
difficult to forge or tamper with.
data stored on the chip can be
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Public Registry Unit The Public Registry Unit keeps records of Acts of Birth, Marriage, Civil Union, Cohabitation, Death and Adoption Registrations. The Public Registry Unit records civil status of Maltese citizens as well as annotations to Acts of Civil Status. The Unit is also responsible for the publication of Marriage Banns in Malta.
Statistics 2020 Local Births Registered
4,206
Local Deaths Registered
3,570
Number of Foreign Notifications
3,642
Marriage Applications for the Publication of Banns
1,652
Registered Civil Marriages
748
Registered Religious Marriages
326
Postponed Marriages
381
Number of Annotations & Adjustments
2,174
Total Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates issued
56,200
Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates issued online
29,319 (52%)
Online Birth & Death Notification The general public can register a newborn’s birth or a person’s death remotely by simply logging into Identity Malta’s website and filling in an online registration form. Upon successfully registering a person’s birth or death, a copy of the birth or death certificate can be ordered online through the newly revamped ċertifikati.gov.mt website. The new ċertifikati.gov.mt website is more user-friendly and makes it easier to place an online order for a birth, free status, marriage, cohabitation, or death certificate. Once an order has been placed, customers can choose to either collect the certificates in person or have them delivered by post.
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Wider Choice of
Surnames After Marriage The legal amendments passed provide a wider choice of surnames after marriage, without one of the spouses imposing on the other. Indeed, couples can now choose to:
› › › ›
retain their own surname; adopt the surname of either party; adopt both surnames in their preferential order; or a combination of the above without one of the spouses imposing on the other.
Maltese Names
However, whenever the couple decide on a different surname, they must agree on the family name to pass on to their children. The family name is automatically established in cases where both spouses adopt the same surname. These amendments apply retrospectively and those couples who got married in Malta before the enactment of the said legal amendments can still change their surname in the next five years. Requests to change one’s surname should be submitted to the Director of the Public Registry Unit, doing away with red-tape and additional expenses.
The upgrades to the Public Registry software enable the use of Maltese diacritic letters when registering a newborn’s birth. As a result, “Ġanni” was the first Maltese name registered on the Public Registry system with the use of Maltese diacritic letters. In this regard, the necessary legal amendments were passed to allow such minor corrections to one’s name. Such requests are to be submitted to the Director of Public Registry Unit. Upon successful registration, a new epassport and eID are issued against no payment in order to reflect the said changes.
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Mater Dei
IMA Office Identity Malta’s Mater Dei office is now entering its third year of operations and has processed over 15,000 notifications with 80% of births and 45% of deaths in Malta notified here.
Amendments to the
Staff working in a number of elderly homes, including St Vincent de Paule Long Term Care Facility, can also register death notifications from their workplace,
Cohabitation Act
following intensive training provided by Identity Malta Agency. In fact, in 2020 over 300 death notifications were processed at St Vincent de Paule and other
In June 2020, the Public Registry Unit implemented the new
homes for the elderly.
provisions of the Cohabitation Act Cap 571 with respect to the issuance of Certificates of Cohabitation. The Cohabitation Act Cap 571 aims to recognize the rights of the cohabitants and provide them formal recognition.
A Fairer Civil Code The amendments to the Civil Code introduced in December 2020 included:
›
Year
Births Notified at Mater Dei IMA Office
% of Births Notified at Mater Dei IMA Office from Total Births notified in Malta
Deaths Notified at Mater Dei IMA Office
% of Deaths Notified at Mater Dei IMA Office from Total Deaths notified in Malta
2018
3,629
85.3%
960
31.5%
2019
3,498
85.2%
1,974
54.5%
2020
3,039
73.1%*
1,822
48.8%*
*The IMA office at MDH was temporarily closed from the end of March to 8th June 2020 as a precautionary measure due to COVID-19.
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› › › ›
the revision of choice of surnames to be used by spouses and their children; the revision of choice of surnames to children born out of wedlock; the registration of all separations; the removal of gender from all Acts and Certificates; the use of gender-neutral terminology.
2020 Best
Passport Unit The Passport Unit issues epassports to Maltese citizens and assists Maltese Embassies and Consulates abroad.
Regional ID Document
safely captured on a polycarbonate bio-data page, which makes it extremely difficult to forge or tamper with, without leaving any signs or trail of attack. In addition, the personal data found on the polycarbonate bio-page is laser engraved, producing a very
Malta’s new generation epassport was
high-definition grey scale portrait.
awarded 2020 Best Regional ID Document in combating document fraud and identity theft.
This advanced bio-page solution consists of a number of individual layers fused together
The award recognises the highest levels of
under immense pressure and heat to create
achievement amongst global passports and
a secure card. Other security features
ID cards, which was awarded to Identity Malta
incorporated in the document include UV and
Agency during the 2020 High Security Printing
rainbow prints, watermarks, interwoven hinges
EMEA Conference held in Portugal. The
with emboss design, see-through window and
conference was attended by 270 delegates
DOVID features, amongst others.
from more than 136 organisations and 43 countries, including France, Germany, UK,
Malta’s new generation ePassport is issued on
USA, and Australia.
new or renewal applications at no extra cost. Existing passports in circulation will remain valid and fit for travel until their expiry date.
Statistics Request for passports has drastically declined in 2020 as a result of the travel restrictions due to COVID-19. As a matter of fact, 51,210 passports were issued in 2019 as opposed to 18,834 in 2020.
2020
Speech Code Facility
With the use of cutting-edge technology, the
Identity Malta is committed to further facilitate
new Maltese travel document further prevents
people’s lives through the use of technology.
document forgery and the fraudulent use of other people’s identity.
Malta’s epassport converts text into speech through the use of a mobile application. The
The imagery used in the document’s inner
user scans the affixed QR code sticker using
18,834
pages showcases Malta’s beauty, depicting
a speech code application which converts
Urgent Passports Issued
568
the island’s long and colourful history. But
the individual’s name, date of birth, passport
Emergency Travel Document Issued
apart from the aesthetic changes, the new
number and expiry date into speech.
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epassport stands out for its additional security
Passport Issued
26
Malta’s New Generation ePassport
layers and advanced bio-page solution. This
This facility gives greater autonomy to the
means that the bearer’s personal details are
blind and visually impaired persons.
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Expatriates Unit
introduced online appointment system has accelerated the whole process, doing away with having repeat visitors, double handling of work and long queues.
The Expatriates Unit engages in the legal migration process and caters for the processing and issuing of residence documentation. This includes the enactment of the provisions of national legislation with respect to the EU nationals’ freedom of movement and other regulations concerning third-country nationals’ residence documentation.
As a matter of fact, the average processing time to issue a new single permit has shortened to six to eight weeks and renewals are processed within a month. This falls well within the four months’ timeframe stipulated by the EU Directive. Feedback has been very positive, and Identity Malta plans to expand this online platform to cater for other residence permit categories, including students and family members of work permit holders.
Statistics 2020 New Single Permit Applications submitted online
6,954
Employees Registered online (Single work permit)
3,990
New Residence Document The new residence document for third-country nationals entered into circulation last June. Apart from its aesthetic changes, the new residence permit is more secure and
Online Single Permit
difficult to forge.
Identity Malta supports local businesses through the facilitation of its services. In the past months, the Expatriates Unit initiated a series of incremental changes which were intended to simplify and accelerate the single permit application process without compromising security. As a result, Identity Malta has successfully managed to re-engineer the residency application process by going digital. Applicants can now submit an online application when applying for a new single permit or submitting a request for a renewal or change in job application. In the case of successful applicants who are still abroad, they are instructed to make their way to Malta by means of a visa (if this is required) and are authorised to commence with employment once they have finalized their application locally and had their biometric data captured by appointment. Surely, the digitalisation of the single permit application process and the newly
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BREXIT:
Recommencement
of Service
Malta was amongst the first EU Member States to start accepting new residency document applications
Following the government’s decision in April to temporarily suspend new single permit applications, except for highly skilled workers and healthcare professionals, the Expatriates Unit recommenced with normal service in August. The Expatriates Unit also announced that approval letters in principle were being extended without prejudice to travel restrictions, visa, and health regulations. This was intended to alleviate the difficulties experienced by the employers and applicants due to global travel restrictions. As a result, over 6,000 applications were extended.
Over the past months, Identity Malta’s was responsible for the implementation of the provisions related to Citizens Rights as outlined in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. Following BREXIT, the Agency immediately reached out to all potential UK beneficiaries in Malta and started accepting new residency applications as early as February 2020. Moreover, Identity Malta organised an informative campaign and worked closely with the British High Commission in Malta in order to facilitate the process. The application process of changing one’s status was staggered by locality and the first call closed in November. Applicants who for some reason or other have failed to turn up for their appointment, can still apply by 30th June 2021. By the end of 2020, more than 7,500 potential UK beneficiaries had applied for their new residency document.
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Searches Unit The Searches Unit provides official searches
Simplified
Alien Passport Procedure
Gender Neutrality & Bilingualism
against individuals and entities in connection with the enrolment of notes pertaining to the
Reporting Unit
and holders of national humanitarian
The Reporting Unit supports the agency’s
status, including holders of Specific
due diligence process across the board,
Residence Authorisation, can now apply
including the processing of residence
for their Alien Passport directly through
permits to third-country nationals
Identity Malta’s office in Ħal Far.
(mainly for employment and study Unit has the statutory authority to carry
application and have their biometric
out checks in order to verify whether
data captured all at once. As a result,
third-country nationals are abiding by the
this has shortened the processing time
conditions set out in their authorization
and the travel document is issued within
to remain in Malta.
of same sex marriages, civil unions, and
hypothec notes and privilege, which secure
›
gender changes. The Front Page of testamentary searches started being printed in a bilingual format,
Deeds in connection with Public Wills establish whether a will is enrolled with the
thus, facilitating matters for those who need to present the search abroad.
Public Registry.
reasons) and the issuance of visas. The Applicants can now submit their
gender-neutral one, reflecting the realities
immovable property, and the registration of
ground-rents.
The wording in the Public Registry Act and on the Searches’ system was changed to a
transfer, inter vivos as well as causa mortis of
obligations such as loans and payment of
Beneficiaries of international protection
›
2020 Searches
168,788
Notes
65,223
Softcopy Searches The Searches Unit has embarked on a pilot project which will enable online searches
four working days. Once Identity Malta
instead of hardcopies. Following a period
concludes the necessary verification and
In its first year of operation, staff received
assessment, successful applicants can
intensive training on how to identify and
collect their new Alien Passport from the
deal with potential cases. The Reporting
same premises in Ħal Far.
Unit carries out joint inspections and
Processed
of technical and legal consultation with all
Search Orders
stakeholders, a prototype for testing will be
During 2020 the Searches Unit processed:
Online Submission of Notes
provided to the Unit shortly.
a total of 636 Freedom of Movement Furthermore, beneficiaries of international protection and holders of national humanitarian status, including Specific Residence Authorisation holders, can also apply and collect their residence permit from Identity Malta’s office in Ħal Far.
interviews were concluded.
› › › › ›
11,740 will orders 617 reference updates 14,035 priority orders 88,786 normal orders 53,610 updates on orders
This project will enable professionals and entities to electronically enrol notes, pertaining to the transfer of immovable property and the registration of notes of hypothec and privilege. In light of this, the legal and technical aspects behind it are currently being explored.
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Central
Visa Unit
Upcoming Projects
The Central Visa Unit (CVU) is the government’s immigration central authority
Currently, CVU is in discussions with the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs on the
responsible for the implementation of national visa policies and the provisions outlined
possibility of opening new external service providers in countries that are not accredited
in the Schengen acquis. The responsibility of issuing a visa is shared with Malta’s
to any Maltese Mission/ Consulate, so as to ease the process for third country nationals
Diplomatic Missions abroad. Malta issues two (2) types of visas:
to acquire a national visa.
›
The Schengen Visa (short stay), which is issued for a period not exceeding 90 days
In the coming months, the current physical declaration of proof will be digitalized and
and is regulated by the EU’s harmonized provisions.
will be uploaded as an e-form. This will be easily accessible through the e-forms portal.
›
The National Visa (long stay / D-Visa), which is issued for a period exceeding 90 days, but no longer than 365 days, and in accordance with national rules.
Citizenship Unit Challenges Related to the
Global Pandemic
Before the setting up of Komunità Malta in November, Identity Malta was responsible for the
›
During 2020, important amendments were passed to the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap
› ›
A Temporary Authorization Letter was issued to third country nationals stranded in Malta, authorizing their stay until they could find a repatriation flight. The CVU swiftly transferred its operations online in order to avoid physical gatherings and the potential spread of the virus. In view of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction, the CVU abided by Maltese and EU laws and
›
recommendations. Due to the suspension of Foreign Representations and since certain Maltese Missions abroad were experiencing logistical problems, the CVU processed several long-stay Visas locally.
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implementation of the provisions concerning citizenship legislation and the relative policies.
188) which included:
› › › › › ›
The right to persons born in Malta to acquire Maltese citizenship on the grounds of Maltese descent. Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by descent was made subject to public interest. Enabling the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by spouses/widows/widowers who at the time of application were still living together. Changes to one of the conditions for deprivation of citizenship. Automatic acquisition of Maltese citizenship by children born out of wedlock. Automatic Acquisition by adopted children was extended from the age of 10 to 18.
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Identity Malta Community Gozo
Office
Identity Malta Agency believes that people make a difference. The Agency values the talents and abilities of its employees and
Apart from going online, Identity Malta also plans to further extend its services at a community level. Over the past year, the Agency has worked to extend more services to Gozo, thus, doing away with the need of having to commute to Malta whenever it is possible. In addition to its existing services, Identity Malta Agency has extended the following services to Gozo:
› › › › ›
Issue of one-way travel document in case of a lost or stolen passport. Issue of long stay visa. Freedom of Movement interviews. Public Registry Foreign notifications. Processing of SRA applications.
seeks to foster an open, cooperative, and dynamic environment in which employees
Employees’
Wellbeing In the midst of a global pandemic, safeguarding employees’ wellbeing and public health remains top priority. Following the outbreak, Identity Malta resorted to telework practices and whenever this was not possible, alternating teams were assigned to man its front desks. Furthermore, staff are constantly supplied with personal protective equipment (masks, visors, and hand sanitizers) and
can thrive and further develop their skills.
temperature checks are taken on entry.
No. of employees
Apart from COVID-19, Identity Malta promotes a healthy work environment and
316
Chief Officers
6
Heads of Unit
6
stands by its employees passing through difficult times. The Agency offers its staff health insurance, access to mental health services and professional service by Sedqa. Furthermore, Identity Malta has its own voluntary leave bank program in order to assist employees who are experiencing a medical emergency and have exhausted their available paid leave.
Staff Development Identity Malta encourages its employees to further their studies and acquire new
Student Workers
8
skills. As a matter of fact, the Agency sponsors employees in attaining higher qualifications, giving them the opportunity to enhance their career prospects. Throughout 2020, Identity Malta organised routine training courses for 165
Persons with Disability
9
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employees which mainly focused on customer care and customer service excellence skills.
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Doing Our Part Identity Malta employees uphold the values of social responsibility. For the third consecutive year, the Agency took part in the Pink October – Movember nationwide campaign, raising awareness and donating €2,500. Monthly donations were also gathered in aid of L-Istrina with the total sum of €13,000 being donated towards this noble cause.
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identitymalta.com Identity Malta Agency, Head Office, Valley Road, Msida MSD 9020 40