Recently, Malta’s immigration policy has once again attracted attention. According to an urgent notice issued by the Residency Malta Agency (RMA) on July 31, 2024, all third-country nationals applying for permanent residency in Malta must now hold health insurance with a coverage of at least €100,000, effective from August 1, 2024. This sudden change undoubtedly poses a new challenge for many foreign residents hoping to settle in Malta.
The Background and Impact of the New Policy
Historically, the insurance requirements for Malta’s permanent residency applicants have undergone several changes, reflecting a certain inconsistency in Malta’s immigration policies. During the old scheme (MRVP), applicants were only required to purchase EU-wide coverage insurance without a specific minimum coverage amount. Many chose packages offering €50,000 in coverage, which was considered lenient at the time.
However, with the introduction of the new MPRP scheme in March 2021, the insurance requirement was simplified, with applicants only needing coverage for Malta, and the minimum amount lowered to €30,000. The sudden increase to €100,000 in insurance coverage is seen as another significant pressure on applicants, especially as it was implemented without any transition period, catching many off guard.
Analysts believe that this change may be linked to Malta’s recent tightening of entry requirements for third-country workers. By raising the insurance threshold, the government aims to better regulate and control immigration. However, the abrupt and broad application of this policy has inadvertently affected permanent residency applicants as well.
The Foreign Community’s Response
Faced with the challenges posed by the new policy, the foreign community in Malta swiftly mobilized to voice their concerns and discontent. Many Non-EU residents who had already settled in Malta argued that the new policy should not apply to existing MPRP beneficiaries, as they had signed agreements with the immigration agency under the previous terms. In response, the community adopted various strategies to protect their rights:
- Hiring Lawyers: Some residents hired professional lawyers to formally oppose the new policy, sending letters to the immigration agency arguing that the new rules should not be applied retroactively.
- Collective Action: Foreign groups organized gatherings to present their case to the immigration agency, urging the government to consider the rights of existing applicants when implementing the policy.
- Social Media Campaigns: Through social media platforms, they spread awareness of the policy’s impact and encouraged more people to get involved in the fight for their rights.
After persistent efforts, the Maltese immigration agency responded by clarifying that applicants who submitted their applications before August 1, 2024, would continue to be subject to the previous insurance requirement of €30,000 per year. The new policy would only apply to future applicants. This outcome represents a significant victory for the foreign community, showcasing their resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The Future of Malta’s Immigration Policy
Although this advocacy campaign achieved a temporary victory, Malta’s immigration policies are likely to become increasingly stringent in the future. As the European Union continues to adjust its immigration policies, Malta, as a member state, will naturally follow suit. This suggests that future applicants for permanent residency in Malta may face additional challenges and higher entry thresholds.
This serves as a reminder to those considering moving to Malta to act promptly and submit their applications as soon as possible to minimize the risk of being affected by future policy changes.
Malta is a land of opportunity, but in the face of increasingly strict immigration regulations, applicants must remain vigilant and adjust their strategies accordingly. We hope that everyone aspiring to settle in Malta can achieve their dreams while also working together to protect their legal rights. In these challenging times, only by adapting to change can one find their place in a new environment.
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