With the trademark Vodafone red being replaced by a combination of yellow and black, epic promises a great network and great value. Earlier this year, Vodafone Malta was taken over by Monaco Telecom in April with a deal worth €250 million.

During the press conference, Epic’s Chief of Executive Officer Tamas Banyai explained that Epic launces a new era for the company, as well as for the country’s telecommunications. “Malta deserves a state of the art network and a telecommunications company which gives the customer great value,” said Banyai.

It was also revealed that the company will be releasing a new mobile app in order to pay bills and update mobile bundles as well.

“Great network together with great value” is the slogan which Epic goes by, as the brand promises to deliver an epic communications experience by bringing together two powerful features; a state-of-the-art network along with great value.

Banyai said that Vodafone’s position as Malta’s most recommended network and an international network is second to none as providing a strong and powerful foundation for the future.

Banyai introduced the four main pillars of change which will be tariffs, infrastructure, and service portfolio expansion and customer experience.

Customers are to benefit from an enhanced network of 175 partners across the world, providing 4.5G access to Epic customers abroad.

Epic announced a ‘game changing’ tariff change, where the first time in Malta, access to unlimited tariffs is no longer bound to a 24 month contract. Top-up offers will include double the call, SMS and data versus similar packages from other operators at the same price. Unlimited mobile plans are now extended to business tariffs.

“For Epic, it is critical that its plans are accessible to everyone to enjoy its great network with propositions that offer great value,” explained Banyai.

The €9.99 value top up will include better offers with more data and minutes to all networks.

He added that Epic will be investing more in customer service, building new digital tools to make it simpler and easier for customers to use Epic’s services. A new mobile app and website were also launched today, providing customers a simpler user interface and features.

“We are mostly known for the quality of our mobile services, but for families, we are offering home broadband including fibre. And for businesses we are providing internet bandwidth, telephony, data center services, international connectivity and more. So when we say great network and service from Epic, we mean that we are providing solutions for all the communication needs of our customers,” explained Banyai.

Not letting go of any staff but we are recruiting

Speaking to the media after the launch, Banyai explained that Epic will not be letting go of any employees but are currently in recruitment and have a number of vacant positions.

The post Vodafone Malta rebrands as ‘Epic’ first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Mamo was commenting on the recently announced restrictive measures, whereas from 29 October, bars and clubs have been instructed to remain closed until 1 December.

Whilst those establishments with a snack bar or kiosk licence are allowed to remain open, they are under any circumstance to offer or sell alcohol to clients and must remain closed between 11pm and 5am.

“Whilst the measure is only for a month, one must consider how difficult this year has been already and that the measure came all of a sudden; so yes, a month is a long time. It is another month of paying rent and electricity out of our own pocket, and for some it might even lead to them deciding to call it a day and close their establishment.”

Mamo informed this newsroom that the Chamber has received numerous queries and concerns about the latest measures.

“A good number of these owners did not realise just how much they would be impacted by this measure.” Despite kiosks and snack bars still allowed to remain open, the new measure means that such establishments are not allowed to serve or offer any alcohol.

“There were owners who realised that the new measure really affected their operation and how they work. Despite them being allowed to remain open, they cannot really function. We have had wine bars, which operate almost exactly like a restaurant, yet due to the fact they have a licence as a snack bar, they cannot truly operate as they did before without serving alcohol.”

All catering establishments already had a number of restrictive measures placed on the way they operate. Earlier in October, all restaurants, bars, clubs and snack bars were enforced to close and stop serving customers by 11pm.

Mamo explained that bars and kiosks had no problem with this measure, but many found it difficult to understand why now they were not allowed to serve alcohol. “We understand that enforcement can be challenging since there are a large number of catering establishments, and the authorities decided to take a blanket approach to avoid loopholes.”

She said that this new approach has done a lot of harm to businesses who could have continued remained open. “Owners are frustrated and angry.”

She said that Health Authorities are calling for what is best for the general public and that businesses and the Chamber will continue to follow these measures. “We of course understand and believe it is very important to follow the directives of the Health Authorities, but we believe there could have been ways for such establishments to remain open and serve a few people safely, rather than shutting them down completely.”

Issue of licences a problem both businesses and authority could have avoided

On the topic of licences, Mamo explained that this is a problem that businesses have created and that should have been seen beforehand by both the businesses and the authorities.

“When it comes to having a proper licence I believe this is something that could have been tackled much earlier on. I believe owners should have made sure that as their businesses grew and extended, they apply for the appropriate licence, but that the authorities [in this case, the Malta Tourism Authority] should also make sure that establishments are operating under the correct licence.”

She said that the responsibility to have the correct licence falls both under the businesses and authorities.

“Unfortunately, now there is not enough time to fix all this, but maybe businesses can start the process of apply for a proper licence. This is not the first time catering establishments had to close, so we are not excluding that it could happen again, therefore we believe that establishments can begin the process of applying for the appropriate licence and regulations so that they can be more prepared.”

Need of strong support measures for all catering establishments

Mamo said that currently the Chamber is discussing the necessary support for such businesses, especially considering how businesses currently are losing rather than gaining. “The biggest concern of these owners is that they still have to pay rent, pay their staff and electricity. We are aware that bars will be receiving the full wage supplement, but this does not mean that snack bars and kiosks will be too. Whilst they are open they are unable to operate properly.”

She said that it is important that all establishments are provided with the necessary support as they all still have costs to pay. “Given the fragility of businesses at the moment, there needs to be the correct support for them, as this might lead some businesses to call it a day so that they will not be at risk of losing more business and money.”

Whilst bars and clubs are expected to resume back to normal in December, businesses are still concerned about the Festive season. “Many are concerned and aware that the festive season will not be like any other we have experienced, and this is an added problem and brings a big uncertainty. That is why we continue to push for proper support so that businesses can stay afloat until next year where things will hopefully be better.”

MHRA in discussion with authorities for clarity on licences

The Malta Hotel and Restaurant Association (MHRA) are currently in discussion with the authorities with questions regarding the licences of establishments.

“We understand that most people including the political parties now accept that there must be a balance between health, economy and quality of life. The difficulty is finding that balance,” the Association said.

“Clearly health is extremely important but one cannot ignore the economy nor the quality of life since no one can predict accurately when Malta will exit the pandemic. We now await clarity on the issues raised by MHRA with the authorities.”

The post A month can make or break a business; strong support measures must be in place – Chamber of SMEs first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

An indoor rowing tank facility and an outdoor velodrome are part of an €11 million which the government is investing in sports facilities across the island. The investment is part of the preparations for the Small Countries Games, which Malta will be hosting in 2023.

The government will continue not only to modernise sports facilities but also add a number of facilities to address the need of different sport disciplines. Over the period of three years, the government will push forward an investment of €11 million in a number of projects.

The new facilities include the construction of an indoor rowing tank, which attempts to mimic the conditions rowers face in open water. The facility will be located in the Cottonera area, and these training facilities will eventually be available to all sports organisations that practice this sport. The investment also includes the construction of an outdoor velodrome; an arena for bicycle racing which will be located in Pembroke. The facility, a first of its kind on the island, will attract international competitions to Malta. 

The budget will also include the construction of a Rugby Complex at Kordin, the plans of which had been approved by the Planning Authority in July of this year.

EquestriMalta to replace Malta Racing Club

When it comes to competitive sports, the government is working to ensure fair play in every sport and to reduce corruption. With this in mind, the government will set up the Authority on Integrity in Sport Malta to ensure there is one organisation which is monitoring the situation comprehensively.

When it comes to horse racing, a new authority, EquestriMalta, will be regulating and organising horse racing. The new authority will be replacing the Malta Racing Club.

National Symposium on Culture and Creativity planned for 2021

When it comes to culture, there is already a Symposium on Culture and Creativity, planned for next year’s calendar, which will focus on the creative arts. Budget 2021 will see the government continuing to invest in culture and local historical heritage.

The government will continue to invest in the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage when it comes to further excavation of archaeological sites.

Regarding those in the cultural and creative fields, the government will breathe new life into those individual artists, cultural operators and service providers, who provide ancillary service in this sector. These individuals have suffered greatly over the year due to the coronavirus pandemic as working on productions, shows, concerts and similar initiatives of high quality has proved to be difficult.

The application of digital technology will become an integral part of artistic and cultural production, and the government is reflecting on the best ways to encourage the interdisciplinary aspect between technology, research and the arts.

The government will continue investing in Malta’s Centre for Creativity, Spazzju Kreattiv.

Next year the government will work to further protect the national language through an investment in a digital Maltese language spell checker.

The government will also continue investing in the restoration of the Manoel Theatre and looking into carrying out the Carnival Experience project. The government will also continue exploring and opening more underwater sites, which will attract more tourists and professional divers to Malta.

The post BUDGET 2021: Indoor rowing tank, outdoor velodrome part of €11m investment in new sports facilities first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The government has set up a Cabinet Committee on Governance to implement all the recommendations on good governance and rule of law which have been submitted by the Venice Commission, GRECO and Moneyval.

Good governance and rule of law will “remain a priority” and the necessary reforms will take place to secure national stability, confidence in the institutions, and economic growth.

After the government introduces a package of laws based on the Opinion of the Venice Commission, discussions will continue in a Constitutional Convention which will be chaired by the President of the Republic.

The government promised that it will continue to strengthen the institutions, with the help of experts such as World Bank, which should lead to further strengthening the Attorney General’s Office and in the State Attorney’s Office. This reform phase includes the design of internal structures, administrative procedures and organisational functions of the two offices to ensure transparency and safeguard the rule of law in Malta.

The Moneyval report showed that more is needed in Malta with regard to legislative and technical tools, when it comes to raising awareness of money laundering risks, as well as a proper framework for appropriate action against financial crime. Following the report released by Moneyval in July 2019, the National Coordination Committee for the Fight Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (NCC) has worked hard to help the competent authorities address all the recommendations. This work has led to a substantial result.

Improvement of efficiency in the judicial procedure

The government is also proposing better efficiency in judicial procedures and Court Services Agency in order to ensure that the best support is offered to members of the judiciary.

An extension of the retirement age for Judges and Magistrates is to be proposed, as well as new appointments in the bench of the Judiciary.

To reduce the outstanding work of the Court of Appeal, the government will be giving the Court the opportunity to hear only those cases where it is considered necessary, and will also introduce the possibility for hearings in civil proceedings to be held through live video conferencing. There will also be an increase in the compositions of the Court of Civil (Superior) Appeals in order to expedite the process on the appeals and having citizens better served and within a reasonable timeframe.

The government will be launching a research project on Domestic Violence with the aim to improve and facilitate services to vulnerable victims of violence. The research will push to improve the overall efficiency of the justice system in this sphere of operation and also launching a training programme for professionals working in the field.

Investing in the construction of a specialised building for the preservation of confiscated assets

The government will continue to invest in the Asset Recovery Bureau through new technologies for the exchange, management and retrieval of information. The government will also invest in the construction of a specialised building equipped with the latest technology to host an asset tracking laboratory and adequate space for the preservation of confiscated assets.

The purpose of this building is to preserve and protect previously confiscated assets before the disposal.

The government will also launch the modernisation programme for the Office of the Government Notary and Chief Archive, which will include the process of the digitalisation of notarial deeds, and ensure that all public deeds and wills are recorded in the public register on time and that all relevant taxes collected by notaries are effectively paid to the relevant entities.

Paceville zone first to try out Safe City zone

When it comes to security, the government will continue to work on developing the concept of ‘Safe City’. Paceville will be the first zone where this concept will be tested.

Local Councils

The government promises to continue investing in local councils, which form part of an important pillar in local government which leading to improving the quality of life in communities. In 2021, the government will be investing to strengthen the structures of the Regional Councils, so that the councils will be able to offer their assistance to the local councils.

Strengthening Civil Protection

Throughout the next year, the Civil Department’s vehicles will continue being changed to newer models with specialised vehicles.

Next year will also see the introduction of the first fire boat for the Department with the ability to extinguish fires and carry out rescues at sea even in bad weather conditions.

Existing fire station infrastructure will also be developed, including ongoing works at the Santa Venera firefighting station.

Immigration

The government’s main priority will remain the prevention of new migrant arrivals and the fight against criminals who put lives at risk.

Its second priority is the return of immigrants who do not deserve asylum in Malta. The government will be strengthening the International Protection Agency and the police immigration division while creating a unit that works specifically on the return of these persons.

Equality and reforms  

The government will be incentivising employers to offer measures that should lead to a better work-life balance, incentivise men to participate more in family life and thus strengthen gender equality.

It will also be establishing a Commission for Human Rights and Equality to address human trafficking, implementing the Gender Equality Strategy and introduce the first National Action Plan Against Racism and Xenophobia. Other reforms, such as for cannabis will also be addressed, while the necessary reforms for equal representation in Parliament will be introduced.

Furthermore, a centre for the LGBTIQ community will be set up, with the aim to bring a number of services and facilities provided by the government and civil society to the LGBTIQ community under one roof, while providing financial support to the LGBTIQ community in bringing Euro Pride 2023 to Malta.

Citizenship

Apart from the new, recently announced national ID cards, the government is cooperating with other EU countries to protect people’s identity and ensure that the islands’ borders are protected from organised crime and the threat of terrorist attacks, a measure called ‘smart borders’.

An itinerary system is being developed in this regard to keep track of every person entering or leaving Malta and Gozo. The government will also be investing in more online services for citizens from the public sector as well as to evaluate how to strengthen the use of digital identity which will facilitate the transfer of information.

Inspections at workplaces will be stepped up to reduce abuses and exploitation of people at the workplace and to ensure that there is no human trafficking or forced labour.

Investment Programmes for Residency and Citizenship will be reviewed and updated while more stringent criteria will be introduced to continue ensuring that individuals who are accepted under these schemes are worthy of having citizenship or residence.

International Collaboration

Primarily, the government will be working towards bringing peace and security in the Mediterranean region in every forum Malta consistently participates in. Apart from continuous communication with Libya to find a political solution to the conflict it faces, during this year Malta maintained dialogue with all countries, especially Mediterranean ones, including Africa which is rich in opportunities. The government seeks to maintain this kind of communication, including EU member states to find new solutions for problems that have been ongoing for many years.

Malta’s Candidature for the United Nations Security Council

The government will continue meetings with Members of the United Nations during 2021 to demonstrate the highly relevant credentials Malta has to offer as a member of the United Nations Security Council, following its candidacy for a non-permanent seat, reserved for state members of the Western European and Other Countries in the Security Council for a two-year term between 2023 and 2024.

Malta needs to obtain the two-thirds votes of the United Nations Members in the election which is expected to take place in June 2022 at the General Assembly in New York.

Police Force and Armed Forces

2021 will be the first full year during which the Police Force will be shaping its work on the transformation strategy which with 49 concrete actions, aims to change the force from a police force to a police service.

The project will start addressing localities which offer greater challenges to address, including Marsa, Ħamrun, St. Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s.

It is also planned to complete the Command and Control Room at the Police Headquarters and modernise the forensic section.

In view of the increase in the prison population, more investment will be made in infrastructure to make better and more effective use of the correctional facilities space. New vehicles will be purchased with the aim of making the escorts of prisoners safer.

The psychology section will also be strengthened and a program for young offenders will be put in place.

The Agency for Crime Victims will be up and running with the aim of bringing together under one roof various services for victims of crime while introducing new ones.

In the Armed Forces of Malta, investment will continue so that soldiers have better tools to work with and the Special Operations Unit will be further strengthened, while communication systems will be improved.

A Security Monitoring Centre with the most advanced technology will be launched when it comes to the Protection of Critical Infrastructure. It will operate 24 hours a day.

The post BUDGET 2021: Government sets up Cabinet Committee to implement recommendations on good governance first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

“As a government, we are doing everything necessary to pass the Moneyval test, and we have finalised all the recommendations and requests from the entity, and now we must wait for the outcome.”

This month is the deadline for Malta to implement Moneyval’s 58 recommendations for bolstering its campaign against financial crime to avoid inclusion on the group’s ‘grey list’ of high-risk jurisdictions. Back in September, Moneyval, a monitoring body of the Council of Europe, stated that Malta remains highly exposed to illicit finance but lacks the resources and infrastructure required to prosecute and seize assets from money launders and the criminals they serve. If Malta fails the upcoming test, it could end up in the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list, which would make the country unattractive to foreign investment. People in the financial services industry say this would have disastrous consequences on the economy in general.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Edward Scicluna have both have downplayed the risk of Malta ending up on the grey list. This newsroom asked Economy Minister Silvio Schembri whether he believes Malta will pass the Moneyval report.

“From our end we have dedicated all the necessary resources to make sure all the reforms and important structural changes have taken place.” He explained that the government not only worked on this year’s Moneyval report, but also on recommendations from the previous report, which was published back in 2012, where not all recommendations were worked on. We did everything possible and worked on these recommendations and those from the previous report.”

When asked why numerous entities have criticised the government and believe that Malta will end up being grey listed, Schembri brushed off the comment stating that people are free to their opinions in a democratic country.

“You ask me if I think the country will be grey listed, I think not, but it is also important to see what is happening on a larger international scale, where huge international crises are happening regarding financial transitions.”

He said that in other countries, their own members of European Parliament do not ask for investigations on their own country. “Unfortunately, in Malta we enjoy punishing ourselves and this is the result we have now. Of course, I am not happy that we have Maltese individuals who enjoy punishing their country. It is not a question of being traitors, but it is important that we see what our colleagues are doing to our country.”

The post We worked on all recommendations of this Moneyval report and the one before that – Schembri first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This result includes a one-off donation of €2.4 million in shares given to Dar Tal-Providenza and Caritas Malta.

Addressing a conference on the Church’s financial report, Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese, Michael Pace Ross said that last year’s surplus was not enough to make up for the severe financial challenges caused by the Coronavirus pandemic on the work carried out by the Church in Malta.

“The pandemic had numerous negative effects on the Archdiocese’s financial year, and the archdiocese resorted to past surplus and savings to carry out the work,” Pace Ross explained.

He explained that whilst the Archdiocese cannot predict the costs and losses of 2020, the ‘back of the envelope’ estimates are predicting losses ranging from €6 million to €8 million. “We continue to appeal to the public for donations, so that the Church can continue carrying out its pastoral mission despite the difficult situation.”

He explained that due to the pandemic, revenue decreased sharply across the board; from fundraising, donations, investments, and APS Bank’s dividend which will not be distributed on the recommendations of the European Central Bank.

There was also a decrease in the income from the Seminary, Dar Tal-Providenza, the Beacon Media Group and other entities. “We also noted a decrease in revenue due to the fact that the airport was closed and tourists or locals were not visiting major parish churches and the Mdina Cathedral Church,” he explained.

The financial report shows that the Archdiocese recorded an increase in revenue of almost €6 million, mainly due to an increase in capital gains on investments and an increase in the dividend from APS Bank.

There was a registered increase in expenditure of €4.8 million in 2019, with 60% of the expenditure covering the wages of the clergy and laity, whilst 20% were operating expenses. Pace Ross also highlighted that there was also a 47% increase in spending for maintenance, restoration, and conservation, whilst the Archdiocese paid almost €1.4 million in taxes.

A €31,000 marginal lost was registered in 2019, after the surplus was distributed in subsidies to Church entities. Pace Ross said that in 2019 the Curia carried out various restoration and conservation works within the Archbishop’s Curia, including the restoration of the façade.

The increase in restoration and conservation works upped a 47% increase in spending for maintenance, restoration and conservation.

The post Church registers surplus of €3.5 million, but estimates loss of €8 million by end of 2020 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The initiative is aimed at raising awareness on one’s rights and duties, offer support and establish a better neighbourhood practices between the construction industry and those living adjacent to construction sites.

The initiative is one of the first under MDA’s ‘Safer Neighbourhood Scheme’, a scheme which is aimed to raise the bar of the construction industry, and putting neighbour’s minds at peace.

MDA President Sandro Chetcuti said that whilst the construction industry is an important sector for the Maltese islands, the association is concerned about the number of accidents happening on construction sites.

“We wish to respect both our members and the community, and to have a good lasting relationship with all neighbours surrounding the site being developed.” He said that whilst the scheme falls under the limits of MDA developers, he urged that the government and non-MDA developer members follow suit and adopt the initiatives too.

The MDA Scheme will come into effect as from 1 September 2020 and will be applicable for all those projects which are issued a PA permit.

Third Parties keep their full rights and ensure their safety

Explaining the initiative, MDA Director General Marthese Portelli explained that according to current law, L.N. 136 of 2019, Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations, the architect (Perit) in charge of a particular project must submit a method statement in terms of the law, not later than two weeks before the commencement of any works as well as a report on the condition of adjacent properties.

“This scheme is to help put our neighbour’s minds more at rest, and therefore any adjacent property owners who are concerned about a development can hire an architect of their choice to review the method statement/conditions report, and that the MDA members are obliged to fork out the expenses of the architect.”

The third party can chose the architect of their choice and MDA developer members will refund the architect’s fee incurred by the third party in the drawing up of the technical report, upon presentation of a fiscal receipt by the third-party neighbour.

In the case that the third party is unable to fork out the necessary fees to pay the architect, the MDA scheme also provides a solution. The MDA developer member will issue a necessary payment directly to the neighbour. Payments will be done upon the presentation of a fiscal invoice.

If the third party is a block of flats, the owners of the flats should coordinate with one another to appoint and agree on an architect who will be tasked with the drawing up of a technical report of the whole block.

Every MDA member has an MDA membership card with a unique number, and the members will be given a sticker to stick on their site, so that neighbours are aware. Any MDA members or their companies who do not make payment upon the presentation of receipts or invoices by third parties will be inserted on a public blacklist by the MDA.

“While the scheme will also alleviate any financial burdens on the part of the third party neighbours, we hope that this will establish a better relationship between the developers and the neighbours at an early stage and prior to the start of a project,” said MDA Vice President Denise Micallef Xuereb.

She said that MDA will push for members to work in line with ethics and respect.

The post MDA developer members to refund architect fees of third-party neighbours as of September first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

“Recent developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the state of the financial markets worldwide,” a spokesperson from the authority told The Malta Independent on Sunday.

Throughout the months in which Malta was facing the coronavirus outbreak, many families stayed at home, non-essential shops and services were closed and the dependency on technology had spiked. Back in April, the MFSA had informed this newsroom that there was already a spike in scammers.

Now, data provided by the Enforcement section of the MFSA, which is responsible for the investigation of such scams, noticed a rapid increase in financial scams in the first five months of 2020.

A drastic increase in warnings and notices published this year was in March, which coincides with the time when the first cases of COVID-19 were announced. Six notices were published in March, followed by eight in April. In 2019, only two notices were published and zero the following month.

What type of scams should one look out for?

“Scams may be linked to a variety of activities, such as bank loans, high-return investments, forex trading, virtual assets trading, clone entities using the details of licensed companies and much more,” the spokesperson explained.

It is important for consumers of financial services to look out for the following:

• Unsolicited offers via email, telephone call/text or social media, providing services related to any of the above-mentioned areas;
• Any attachments or links in emails from unknown sender; one should never click any attachments or images unless one deems it to be genuine;
• Social media posts and advertisements of “no hassle” and high returns investments;
• Unlicensed entities promoting financial services; a complete list of licensed entities is available on the MFSA’s Financial Services Register; and
• Clone entities which might have minor changes from the original licensed entities; guidelines on how to identify a clone company can be viewed on the MFSA’s website.

How to identify a scammer

The MFSA had previously explained to this newsroom that many scammers had taken advantage of COVID-19, and some scammers included requests for donations for COVID-19 research or support investments in developing cures. “Those who are not ‘technology savvy’ are at risk of falling for such scams and viruses and could also possible share these scams with others.”

The MFSA has provided an example of how to notice the number of red flags which indicate that a website is not genuine but a scam.

Many times, a scam includes a given strict deadline or limited time offer, so as to make the individual feel pressured to not miss out on a “golden opportunity” and to make a fast and rash decision. A scam website would lack substantial information, such as company details, registered address and licence information. Such scams have no legitimate company and the website itself is poorly structured. MFSA also noticed that some scammers make an exclusive offer just aimed for Maltese.

It is important, regardless of the situation, to never share your personal information such as address, bank card details or ID card number to unknown entities. If consumers have any doubts or wish to learn more about how to notice scams, they should reach out to the MFSA by either calling on 2144 1155 or through the website https://www.mfsa.mt/about-us/contact/.

The post MFSA: Financial scam warnings issued in first six months up by 50% first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

“We have seen the number of families applying for the in-work benefit double, since March of this year there are 3,895 families eligible for the in-work benefit, which means such a benefit is also affecting 6,400 children,” Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Falzon said today. 

On Monday the government announced the “Better Tomorrow” plan, which involves a number of measures, which also consider the social aspect. “We have passed through difficult times, and we might face more on the way, but we must see how we can make a better tomorrow,” he explained.

Addressing a news conference on Friday morning, Falzon pointed out the number of social measures which are to benefit families, children, and young couples. The in-work benefit, he explained, will see an increase in rate, which now has been extended by €250, where now parents or single parents can receive up to €1,400 per child.

He also mentioned that the €100 vouchers which are eligible for all those living in Malta over the age of 16 years old will benefit not just average family households, but also small family businesses. “We enjoy seeing families going out to eat or taking a weekend break, but from another perspective, such vouchers will continue the growth of the country’s domestic consumption. We also cannot forget that there are many small businesses that are family-run, and therefore such vouchers will help them too.”

Falzon explained that these new measures are an addition to the 2020 budget and that despite COVID-19, the government continues to provide to the Maltese and Gozitans. “Despite the difficult moments, we never increased taxes or prices; instead we continue to aid and give to businesses and those in need.” He pointed out that as of next Monday fuel prices will be reduced by 7 cents per litre and that tax deferrals announced last March will continue until the end of August. He said that childcare is still provided for free by the government and pensions are still being provided and every year increased.

He also mentioned that there is a measure for those couples who had to cancel their wedding due to COVID-19. Couples are eligible to receive €2,000 from the government in order to help them cover expenses already paid. He also mentioned that for families looking to buy property there will also be a noticeable deduction in stamp duty, which also apples to those buying property under the first-time buyer scheme.

Nursing homes who voluntarily did a lockdown and remained with residents: thank you

Falzon also showed his gratitude and thanks to all those workers who voluntarily lived with residents at nursing homes. “Whilst as a government we decided to not go under complete lockdown, we saw that our nursing homes took the decision voluntarily and decided to live with residents during this difficult period, we thank you,” said Falzon. He said that unlike other countries, Malta did not have to wipe out any nursing homes. He said that there was a vote to provide€2 million for additional expenses that San Vincent might have had during the pandemic.

He pointed out that San Vincenz had no deaths linked to COVID-19 and that it shows how the workers and professionals worked very hard.

Social solidarity, mental health, and solitude should be included in the next budget

During the pandemic, the Ministry set up a number of helplines, one in particular to help those suffering from solitude. Falzon highlighted that such a helpline will remain post-COVID-19 so as to provide some form of aid to those who suffer from solitude. Whilst he did not have official numbers, he said that the line 1772 receives around an average of 80 phone calls per day. “This helpline is not to provide a service such as providing groceries or medicine, but for those people who are truly suffering from solitude and for a few minutes in their day to speak to someone,” said Falzon.

When asked about the upcoming Budget in October, Falzon said he wishes to strengthen the aid for loneliness, people suffering from mental health and increase social solidarity. “1 in every three people will from one time or another suffer with a mental health challenge, and we must address this and find ways to help these people.”

The post Nearly 4,000 families will be assisted by the in-work benefit measure – Family Minister first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

“If they come back or not, is all up to the private sector and whether they will need a bigger labour force and more workers. These workers come back if the economy needs them.”

Scicluna was asked whether the Government is looking into incentives to bring back foreign workers who were repatriated during the pandemic.

Back in March, Foreign Affairs Minister Evarist Bartolo had announced that over 4,200 people were repatriated in March and that some 3,131 third-country nationals had also been asked to be repatriated.

“We never had any policies to increase the foreign labour force, even though the Opposition has said so time and time again,” said Scicluna.

“When the private sector began to grow and could not find local workers, then naturally they began searching in Europe for workers. These were people who would come to work, live and buy property in Malta, and then leave when they wish,” said Scicluna.

He pointed out that certain sectors could not find specific workers in Europe; he gave the example of carers. “We see in countries like the Philippines, where many people have studied and are professionals in that type of work.”

He said that if workers wish to come back or not is all up to the private sector and whether they will need more labour force.

This newsroom also asked Scicluna as to whether the Government has had any discussions with the TACA Company, as to why a group of 80 Turkish workers has yet to be paid. He said that it was not in his remit to reply to such questions.

The post No government policy to bring back foreign workers – Edward Scicluna first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.