World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic and consequently a lot of jurisdictions are taking the necessary precautions to limit the contagion. Malta has been on the forefront by implementing precautionary measures and financial aid measures.
This has been immediately recognised by WHO's regional director, Mr Hans Kluge who congratulated Malta's deputy prime minister, stating that Malta is "an example to follow".
Apart from the national measures being implemented by the Maltese Government, both the private and the public sector have introduced their own precautionary measures. Indeed, Identity Malta Agency has implemented several changes in order to mitigate the influx of individuals, both EU and third country nationals, to their offices. The changes, to date, have been the following:
1. Customer Care Desk
Until further notice, the physical customer care desk at Identity Malta Agency's offices, located in Msida, shall be closed. It shall not engage in any direct contact with the public. Nevertheless, the customer care service shall not be suspended. The public would still be able to forward their queries via email on eresidence.ima@gov.mt or by calling on +356 25904800.
Identity Malta Agency has also taken the precautionary measure to close its office located at Mater Dei Hospital until further notice.
2. Third country nationals
2(i). Third country nationals who require to renew their work permit
Those individuals whose work permit shall soon expire, shall be able to submit their renewal application through Identity Malta Agency's online portal which can be accessed on www.singlepermit.gov.mt. In order to proceed with the online submission, the Maltese employer needs to first register by sending an email to onlinesinglepermit.ima@gov.mt. The automatic email shall advise the employer that he/she needs to apply for an e-ID for his/her organisation and consequently link the organisation's e-ID to the online portal. Any queries on how to use the online platform should be forwarded to onlinesinglepermit.ima@gov.mt. Identity Malta Agency does not exclude the possibility to allow the submission to be carried out in person, on a case by case basis, should it not be possible to make use of the online platform.
Live-in carers or healthcare professionals whose work permit shall soon expire, can send an email to medical.ima@gov.mt and have their permit automatically extended by a return email of authorisation for a period of three (3) months. Identity Malta advised that healthcare professionals include nurses, nurse assistants, staff nurse, doctors, professors, health carers, assistant carers, carer supervisors, health specialist and locum medical officers (anaesthesia).
2(ii). Third country nationals who require to submit a change of employment application
Change of employment applications can be submitted through the online platform as proposed to be carried out for the renewal applications previously mentioned. Any issues with the online submission should be directed to onlinesinglepermit.ima@gov.mt.
2(iii). Third country nationals who would like to submit a new work permit application
The Government of Malta has taken a stance where by no further work permit applications will be accepted unless such applications pertain to highly skilled workers (work permits issued under the Key Employee Initiative) and medical professionals. These type of applications should be submitted online through the online platform after sending a registration email to onlinesinglepermit.ima@gov.mt.
2(iv). Third country nationals who are in receipt of an approval in principle
Those individuals who are physically in Malta and were issued with an approval in principle, can submit the final documents for their work permit application after fourteen (14) days from their date of arrival to Malta. Applicants should only turn up at Identity Malta Agency's offices on the instructions of the Expatriates Unit. In such instance, it is advisable for the applicants to send an email to eresidence.ima@gov.mt requesting an appointment for the remaining submission of the application.
2(v). Third country nationals who are in receipt of an Interim Permit (blue receipt)
Those individuals who require to extend their blue receipt, may be able to do so by sending their request on eresidence.ima@gov.mt and ask for a confirmation email.
2(vi). Work Permit Collection
Applicants may proceed to collect their work permit from Identity Malta Agency's offices only upon receipt of the collection letter at their residential address in Malta. Nevertheless, we suggest applicants to send an email to eresidence.ima@gov.mt prior collection in order to inform Identity Malta of such.
2(vii). Family members of third country nationals
Family members of third country nationals may apply or renew their permit by sending an email to noneu.ima@gov.mt.
3. Visa applications
For the time being, visa applications have all been put on hold. Nevertheless, Identity Malta Agency have advised that visas would only be issued in exceptional circumstances. Indeed, requests would only be accepted for healthcare professionals, elderly care professionals and family members of European Union citizens. Any queries in relation to visa applications should be forwarded to visa.ima@gov.mt or else one could reach out to the Visa Unit by calling +356 25904550.
4. European Union nationals
European Union/ EEA/Swiss nationals and their family members who plan on residing in Malta for a period of less than three (3) months do not need to apply for their EU residency document. On the contrary, if the EU/EEA/Swiss national will be residing in Malta for a period longer than three (3) months, he/she needs to apply for an EU residency document.
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to submit a new application or to renew their residency document are advised to contact the Expatriates Unit on eu.ima@gov.mt. Applicants would receive a confirmation email as proof of their registration. The same procedure applies to family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Identity Malta has advised that EU nationals and their family members can renew their EU residency document even after their document has expired.
5. UK nationals residence card application
Due to Brexit, in February 2020, Identity Malta Agency advised that the application process for UK nationals applying for the new beneficiary status will be staggered and there will be no processing fees. Identity Malta Agency advised that it shall reach out to each and every UK national who is in receipt of a residence card, in order to submit a new application on a specific date being notified to them by post.
In light of the recent events with COVID-19, the process of issuing new residency documents to UK nationals residing in Malta shall be suspended. Nevertheless, those who have received an appointment letter will still be seen to on the dates indicated. The current residence card shall continue to remain valid until the new residence card is issued. Any queries can be forwarded to Brexit.ima@gov.mt.
The above mentioned procedures have been introduced by Identity Malta Agency in light of the recent pandemic and they shall remain in place until further notice.
Originally published April 14, 2020
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
