New tax rules for Nomad Residence Permit holders

Nomad Residence Permit Malta

By virtue of LN 277 of 2023, last December Malta has introduced new tax rules applicable to Nomad Residence Permit holders.

Individuals who are issued with a residence permit after 1st January 2024, will be subject to income tax at a rate of 10% on income derived from ‘authorised work’.  The new rules indicate the reporting obligations, being to register for income tax purposes, report the income received, file an annual income tax return, and pay tax as required.

However, Nomad Residence Permit in Malta are still able to benefit from the double taxation relief as per Malta’s tax treaties, and in such case, they must provide proof of paying taxes outside Malta at a rate of at least 10% on such income, and therefore that would not have to pay the 10% income tax in Malta.

It’s important to note that individuals who already hold a Nomad Residence Permit shall not be subject to income tax on the income from ‘authorised work’ derived prior to 1st January 2024.

For any questions about taxes in Malta, and tax compliance, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected].

Nomad Residence Permit

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit, is open to individuals who can work remotely and independent of location, meaning they are not tied to a specific office or desk. The Nomad Residence Permit enables holders to retain their current employment based in another country whilst legally residing in Malta for up to a year, with the opportunity to renew if the applicants meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants must prove they can work remotely, either for an employer or as a freelancer and earn at least €32,400 gross of tax a year (updated to €42,000 as from 1st April 2024).

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) Single Work Permit

Employment Lawyer Malta

January 2024 marks the start of a new expedited application process for highly skilled foreign workers. The Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) Single Work Permit will provide fast-tracked services to highly skilled third-country nationals, who may not be eligible for the Key Employee Initiative, but who hold the relevant academic, vocational or technical skills in line with their employment offer in Malta.

The scheme will facilitate the issuing of work/residence permits if the employee meets certain criteria in terms of qualifications and salary. The eligibility criteria for the Specialist Employee Initiative include an annual gross salary of at least €25,000 per annum and must be in possession of either an MQF Level 6 or higher in an area directly related to the employment position being offered in Malta or other academic, vocational or other certified qualified skill qualifications, which equate to an MQF level lower than MQF Level 6, but which are directly related to the position being offered by the Maltese employer, together with, a minimum of three years’ experience in a position directly related to the one being offered in Malta.

In fact, proof of experience must be presented in the form of either or a combination of previous employment contracts (signed by both employer and employee), employment history issued and officially certified (stamped or legalised) by the official employment authority in the country where employment was held or reference letters by former employer/s. Reference letters must show the start and end dates and details of the work carried out. The letters should contain clear contact details of the referee including a valid email address, postal address, and contact number. Identità may request additional documentation to determine eligibility.

The processing time for Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) applications is fifteen working days, starting from the date of application submission of all the necessary documentation.

The three main eligibility criteria for Key Employee Initiative and Specialist Employee Initiative for the third-country national applicant:

Key Employee Initiative

  • A minimum gross basic salary of €35,000
  • The position offered in Malta is either managerial or highly technical
  • Duly certified and recognised qualifications of the applicant by (MQRIC)
  • Processing time – five working days

Specialist Employee Initiative

  • A minimum gross basic salary of €25,000
  • The position offered in Malta is professional or technical
  • Minimum MQF Level 6 or equivalent qualifications directly related to the job
  • In case of an MQF lower than level 6, proof of a minimum of three years’ experience in a position directly related to the one being offered in Malta
  • Processing time – fifteen working days

More info here: https://sciberras.legal/practice-areas/work-permits-residency/

If you are a local employer seeking to employ third country nationals, Sciberras Advocates can handle the work permit, visa and residency process including Single Work Permits, Key Employee Initiative (KEI) applications and Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) applications.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Navigating employment and labour law

Employment Law Malta

Employment and labour law can be intricate, demanding an understanding of rights and obligations for both employers and employees. In Malta, a country where legal frameworks intersect with EU employment laws, it becomes imperative for businesses and workers alike to comprehend the intricacies of employment legislation.

Navigating the complex terrain of employment and labour law in Malta requires a keen understanding of rights, obligations, and legal remedies. Employers and employees alike benefit from comprehensive legal assistance to ensure compliance with statutory conditions, promoting a harmonious and fair working relationship.

Wrongful terminations, discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour disputes, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, employee contract disputes, whistleblowing, breach of contract… These are just a few examples of situations when either an employer or an employee may need a lawyer because of such disputes. In general, one should seek legal advice when facing any employment-related legal issues to protect their interests and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

An employment and labour lawyer in Malta can support both employers and employees through legal assistance with various scenarios.

For Employers

Employers bear the responsibility of understanding the legal landscape governing employment in Malta to avoid potential disputes that could prove both time-consuming and costly. Our legal firm offers a range of services to assist employers, including:

  • Drafting contracts of employment.
  • Formulating employment policies, human resource policies, and health and safety policies.
  • Negotiating employment terminations and resolving related disputes.
  • Facilitating work permits for foreigners.
  • Advising on dispute resolution, discrimination, wrongful discharge, defamation, settlements, and more.

For Employees

If you are an employee facing challenges such as employment discrimination, workplace harassment, unfair dismissals, underpayment claims or other issues, our legal team is ready to assist you. We have successfully represented employees in cases of unjust dismissals before the Industrial Tribunal and negotiated fair compensations through out-of-court settlements.

If you are in any type of situation where you require legal advice, our lawyers at Sciberras Advocates will be able to assist you with any employment issues. For more information contact us directly.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Nomad Residence Permit: How to move to Malta

Nomad Residence Permit Malta Visa

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the global population of digital nomads, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue to grow. As the popularity of digital nomadism continues to rise without any apparent signs of slowing down, our blog post today offers comprehensive information for those interested in pursuing a Nomad Residence Permit to join the digital nomadic lifestyle in Malta.

Nomad Residence Permit

As a response to the increasing interest in embracing the digital nomadic lifestyle, several countries, such as Malta, have implemented a digital nomad visa program. The Maltese archipelago is already a preferred destination for digital nomads from the European Union, and with the introduction of the Nomad Residence Permit, it has expanded its welcome to individuals from non-EU countries who would typically need paperwork such as a visa or residence permits to live on the island.  

How it works

To qualify for this permit, digital nomads are required to demonstrate either the existence of a remote work contract with a foreign company, the operation of their own business, or the provision of freelance services. Applicants must also provide evidence of a minimum gross yearly income of €32,400 (updated to €42,000 as from 1st April 2024). Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria established by Residency Malta will be granted a one-year Nomad Residence Permit, which can be extended, and family members of the applicants will also be taken into consideration.

About Malta

As a compact Mediterranean island, Malta offers an ideal environment for the nomadic lifestyle, featuring a diverse culture, excellent connectivity to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, robust business consultancy services, a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, and more. These are key factors that facilitate and inspire digital nomads to establish themselves on the Maltese islands for business endeavors.

If you want to move to Malta on the Nomad Residence Permit, you will join a global community already present on the island. For more information and to seek assistance in applying for the Nomad Residence Permit, please contact us on [email protected].

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

What is a Distribution Agreement?

Distribution agreement - lawyer

A distribution agreement is a legal commercial contract under which a supplier or manufacturer of goods agrees that an independent third party namely a distributor, sells such goods. The distributor, also referred to as a reseller, buys the goods on own account and trades under their own name by re-selling the goods to his customer.

Key elements typically included in a distribution agreement include but are not limited to:

  • Parties involved
  • Territory
  • Product details
  • Area exclusivity
  • Term
  • Obligations and responsibilities
  • Pricing and payment terms
  • Termination clauses
  • Intellectual property
  • Confidentiality clauses
  • Dispute resolution
  • Governing law

A practical example is the following: Malta One Electronics Business is the manufacturer of smartphones, and they have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Malta Two Distribution Business to market and sell their smartphones in Malta. The drawn agreement will outline the terms, responsibilities, and rights of both parties, and it serves to protect the interests of both the manufacturer and the distributor in the distribution and reselling of smartphones.

It’s also important to distinguish between a distribution agreement and a franchise contract. These are not the same; they are distinct legal agreements with different purposes and characteristics. The key difference between a distribution agreement and a franchise contract lies in the degree of control, the creation of a separate business entity, and the use of an established brand. While both types of agreements involve the distribution of products or services, they serve different purposes and have distinct legal and operational implications. A distribution agreement typically focuses on the distribution of products, while a franchise contract involves a more comprehensive partnership, including the use of an established brand and business model.

Distribution agreements can vary significantly depending on the industry, the territory, the specific products involved, and ultimately on the negotiation between the parties. It’s essential for both parties to carefully review and understand the terms of the agreement to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings and legal battles, and ultimately one should seek legal advice to ensure that their interests are adequately protected. At Sciberras Advocates, as part of our contract law services, we address our client’s requirements, safeguarding their interests. We take pride on the fact that we can draft, review and negotiate any type of contract and agreements in all areas of practice.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Malta: A popular choice for yacht and ship registration

Yacht Registration Malta

The maritime industry in Malta is a major economic driver. Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, its well-developed infrastructure, and its competitive costs have made it a popular choice for maritime businesses around the world. The maritime industry in Malta also plays a leading role in the development of new technologies and services and the Maltese government is committed to supporting the maritime industry and promoting its growth by focusing on innovation and sustainability in alignment with the trends in the global maritime industry.

The maritime industry in Malta is diverse, encompassing a wide range of activities, including ship registration. Malta has one of the largest ship registries in the world, making it to the top 10 flag states by registered tonnage. Its high standards have earned it a reputation as a ‘white flag state’. This means that the Maltese flag is not considered a flag of convenience, and it is trusted by foreign investors in the Maltese shipping industry.

There are several advantages to registering a ship in Malta such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reputation in the authority that regulates this sector. Additionally, the country’s tax system provides significant fiscal benefits to operators and ship managers. Ships of all types and sizes can be registered in Malta, including commercial vessels, yachts, and private vessels.

To register a ship in Malta, in principle the owner must submit a set of documents to the Malta Ship Registry through Transport Malta, at the Maritime section, namely a bill of sale, a survey certificate, ownership documentation and payment of registration fees. Once the registration process is complete, the ship will be issued a Maltese flag certificate and a registration number.

The maritime industry in Malta is a dynamic and growing sector that is playing an important role in the country’s economy, and it is expected to continue to grow in Malta in the coming years.

The experts at Sciberras Advocates are well-equipped to guide clients through the ship and yacht registration process. Whether you are a ship owner or manager, we can help you leverage the cost-effective registration fees and service charges available in Malta, resulting in substantial cost savings for you and your company.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

The backbone of the Maltese economy

Family Business Event

SMEs and family businesses are the backbone of the Maltese economy. This was one of the opening liners from the speeches given to attendees at the Transeo Winter Summit Malta 2023, held on the 12th and 13th of October with the collaboration of the Family Business Office in Malta.

Throughout history, family businesses have played a pivotal role in shaping Malta’s economic landscape, often standing as resilient and dynamic pillars of its economy. Despite many successful family businesses, these enterprises are often vulnerable due to various factors such as the lack of succession planning, interest diversification from one generation to the other, personal conflicts between family members, management transitions, balancing family dynamics with business decision, and more, which in the long run bring challenges to what we associate as a strong business with clear visions and values.

Strategic planning, governance, succession planning, business transfers, business sale, fresh ownership, mergers and acquisitions are all topics that were discussed during the summit to which our associate lawyers Dr Roseanne Sant Cortis and Dr Daniil Kazakov attended.

Family businesses are an integral part of the Maltese economy and have a significant presence in the country. These businesses often span various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, tourism, and services, providing employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth. Many family businesses in Malta have a long history, with some dating back several generations. These businesses have successfully passed down their legacy, knowledge, and values from one generation to the next but like family businesses everywhere, Maltese family enterprises face challenges. The Family Business Office in Malta provides support for family businesses through various initiatives, including financial assistance, training programs, and incentives to promote growth and innovation.

Very often family businesses are complex and carry certain wealth in terms of the business itself and property investments, which often require legal advice when it comes to succession, inheritance, estate and wealth planning, business take over or exit strategies. Should you wish to consult with one of our lawyers do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected].

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Taking the law into one’s own hands

Spoliation Malta

The action of spoliation, referred legally as the Actio Spolii, is a possessory action intended to protect possession. As confirmed in the judgement of June Jackson vs Leonard Jackson, decided on the 22nd of January 1990, the action of spoliation is concerned more with the exigencies of social utility and public order. One prominent writer on spoliation is Pacifici Mazzoni, who had argued that spoliation is ultimately an arbitrary act of a person, against of the wishes of the person who is so dispossessed.

The Actio Spolii has at the forefront of its agenda the restoration of possession, and it aims to avert the taking of the law into one’s own hands. This action is regulated in our Civil Code, specifically Article 535 of Chapter 16 of the Laws of Malta:

From this article of the law, three cumulative requisites emanate; firstly, there is the material element of the action where there must be the possession of a thing, which can even be momentarily. Such possession can be of both immovables and movables, provided that it is corporeal, and hence, has a physical existence. Although possession of the property may be acquired in good or bad faith, the mere use of the property will not subsist for an action of spoliation. This action also extends itself to detention, that is, one holding in the name of another, such as a lessee, and a usufructuary, amongst others. Nonetheless, as confirmed in the judgement of Farrugia vs Cassar, decided in 1933, this action cannot be instituted if detention of the property is based only on mere tolerance.

Secondly, for this action to persist there must be the act of spoliation itself. In Maltese diction, this spoliation is referred to as ‘jitnezza mill-pusses’. For a successful action of spoliation, it must happen either through violence or clandestinely. These two terms were defined by the Court in the case of Cesareo vs Trapani, decided in 1950; the taking of possession is regarded to be violent when, either through moral or material means, the will of the possessor was vitiated. Conversely, spoliation is done clandestinely, when it is done without the awareness of the possessor or holder of the property. Notably, here, the molestation or threatening of spoliation does not suffice, but the deprivation of enjoyment of the property must actually take place. Moreover, as repeatedly held by the courts, the Animus Spolianti is not a requirement, i.e., the intentional element is irrelevant.

Interestingly, when it comes to spoliation, the Latin maxim Vim Vi Repellere Licet is applicable, whereby it is justified to repel force by force. Therefore, ultimately, if the aggressor is trying to materially take possession of the property by force, rather than by violence or by clandestinity, then, it is lawful to repel that same force with corresponding force.

Lastly, the Actio Spolii must be instituted within two months from when possession was lost. Here, we find conflicting judgements as to whether this two-month period starts to run from when the spoliation took place, or else from when the plaintiff became aware of such spoliation. For instance, in Azzopardi vs Azzopardi, decided in 1982, the Court declared that this period starts to run from when the spoliation begins, whilst in Alfred Paul Farrugia noe vs Peter Paul Cutajar, decided on the 13th of February 2004, the Court held that this starts to run from when the possessor becomes aware that his property is being molested. However, the prevailing view is the former; the two-month period of forfeiture starts to run from when the action of spoliation begins, rather than a die sciece.

Occasionally, the action of spoliation is very apparent and evident. Indeed, often the action of spoliation transpires in separation proceedings, in conjunction to the matrimonial home. This occurs when although, legally, both parties have a right to reside in the property, failing a court decree pendente lite, one of the spouses takes full possession of the property, prohibiting the other spouse from entering. On the other hand, more complex matters would include those involving servitudes, leading to the deprivation of privacy. One case in point, decided this year, is Joseph Farrugia et vs Carmelo sive Charlie Spiteri, decided on the 30th of May 2023, by the First Hall Civil Court. The plaintiffs had a right of way over the property of the defendants, which was eventually closed by the latter with the use of a chain and padlocks. Possession over the land was proved successfully by the plaintiffs through a temporary emphyteusis payable by their son to the defendants. Accordingly, the Court requested that all padlocks be removed, since by the closure of the right of way, spoliation was indeed taking place.

When it comes to the action of spoliation, reference should also be made to Article 791 of the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, Chapter 12 of the Laws of Malta, dealing with pleas in spoliation suits. In terms of this article, prior to examining any other petitory pleas, the Court will limit its enquiry to the question of possession and spoliation, and will not consider any other factor, until there is the restoration of the property. Therefore, the defendant can only bring forward dilatory pleas, and hence, evidence of title on the part of the defendant is not applicable in this action. This is all encompassed in the Latin maxim Spoliatus Ante Omnia Restituendus, which translates to when there is spoliation, before anything else is considered, there should be the restitution of possession.

Concludingly, put simply, spoliation is the wrongful use of property belonging to another third party. The outcome of this action would be the restoration of possession to its former condition. This would be even the case if the person who had committed the spoliation holds ownership over the property. This is since this possessory action is one of social order and juridical stability; every transfer of possession should be done through legal means, rather than through an arbitrary act of a person.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article and research done by Ms Caitlin Turner, currently reading a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at University of Malta.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Navigating overstay bans in the Schengen Area

Schengen Area Overstay Ban Lawyer

If you have an overstay ban in a country, it means that you have violated the terms of your visa or immigration status and have been subjected to a penalty that prevents you from entering or remaining in that country for a specified period. There are many different scenarios for an overstay in Malta, such as a visa overstay, being terminated from your employment and not applying for a new job within 10 days of termination, and other scenarios. In any such a situation, seeking the assistance of a immigration lawyer can be beneficial in many ways.

There are a lot of consequences for overstaying in the Schengen Area and it’s good to know that an overstay never goes unnoticed and whether the overstay is international or not, it is always punished by either a fine, immediate deportation and getting banned from re-entering the Schengen Zone for a specific amount of time.

If you overstay in the Schengen Area, you risk:

  • Deportation
  • Difficulties coming back to Schengen Area
  • Fines
  • Ban from Schengen Area

If you are in an overstay status, or you have received a return order to go back to your country or received a ban at the airport by the immigration police, you have the right to regularise your position and appeal this decision. Engaging the expertise of an immigration lawyer is essential for many reasons. A lawyer can evaluate your case and immigration history to understand the reasons for the overstay and the specific terms of the ban. A lawyer can explain your rights and options under immigration law and can guide you through the process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and on time.

Sciberras Advocates offers professional support for various immigration matters, including appeals at the Immigration Appeals Board, preparing written requests to the Principal Immigration Officer for appeals, regularisation of status, challenging removal orders, and overturning bans. If you require expert legal assistance for immigration-related matters, we invite you to visit our dedicated webpage on immigration services in Malta: https://sciberras.legal/practice-areas/immigration-law/. Alternatively, you can contact us to consult with one of our experienced immigration lawyers. We are committed to providing effective solutions tailored to your specific immigration needs.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].

Overstay and Identity Malta Agency: Another win

Immigration lawyer Malta

Sciberras Advocates and Belgravia Advisory have recently won an appeal on behalf of a Colombian who requested legal representation on a personal case. This case was against Identity Malta Agency (IMA). A Colombian national applied for a Single Permit as a still abroad in March 2022, indicating to IMA that he was not in Malta. Once processed, the approval in principle was issued in May 2022 with an appointment for biometrics set for June 2022. During the biometrics meeting, it was established that the applicant has entered and remained in Malta since January 2022 and therefore was overstay.

With Dr Adrian Sciberras from Sciberras Advocates, and Dr Karl Cordina, both representing the client, an appeal was filed with the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB). Together we filed various submissions to the case. Following evidence produced, the IAB accepted the appellant’s appeals and directed IMA to process and decide upon the work permit application without considering the Third Country National to have been illegally present.

Sciberras Advocates offers professional support for various immigration matters, including appeals at the Immigration Appeals Board, preparing written requests to the Principal Immigration Officer for appeals, challenging removal orders, and overturning bans. If you require expert legal assistance for immigration-related issues, we invite you to visit our dedicated webpage on immigration services in Malta: https://sciberras.legal/practice-areas/immigration-law/. Alternatively, you can directly contact us to consult with one of our experienced immigration lawyers. We are committed to providing effective solutions tailored to your specific immigration needs.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.

Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].