Part Two

Building on yesterday’s article, ‘From Phishing to Pig Butchering: Understanding Modern Financial Scams,’ this piece continues the discussion and delves deeper into the evolving tactics used by fraudsters.

Proactive Measures to Protect Yourself

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams. Consider implementing the following precautions:

• Verify Payment Details: Always double-check account numbers or payment instructions before sending money.
• Secure Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for email and financial accounts.
• Use Regulated Platforms: Only transact through well-known, licensed, and regulated exchanges or financial services.
• Scrutinise Communications: Carefully read emails and messages for urgent requests, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.
• Confirm Identities: Always verify the identity of individuals, companies, or organisations before sharing information or making payments.
• Avoid Stranger Links: Never invest or transfer funds through links sent by unknown parties.
• Monitor Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements and online accounts for unusual activity.
• Use Call-Blocking Features: Filter unknown or suspicious numbers using phone or carrier tools.
• Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive details online or over unsecured channels.
• Assess Contact Details: Check the authenticity of phone numbers, emails, and websites before responding.
• Check Licenses and Reviews: Confirm the legitimacy of financial service providers through official registers and customer feedback.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with scam alerts and guidance issued by banks, regulators, and authorities.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult a licensed financial advisor before making significant investments.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, step back and reassess before taking action.

By staying vigilant and following these measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams and protect both your finances and personal information.

Responsibility of Banks, Financial Institutions, and Virtual Financial Asset Service Providers

As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in sophistication, it is not only users who must be cautious – banks, financial institutions, and virtual asset service providers also carry responsibilities to protect customers and prevent fraud.Local trends in regulatory oversight and Arbiter decisions provide important guidance on how liability is shared in cases of scams and fraudulent transactions.

While customers typically bear primary responsibility for authorising transactions and sharing sensitive information, the Arbiter has consistently emphasised that banks and other service providers also carry a portion of responsibility. This underscores the importance of proactive measures by financial institutions, including direct communication with customers, rather than relying solely on social media posts or website warnings, to alert them about potential scams.

Licensed payment service providers (PSPs – including banks, financial institutions, and virtual financial asset service providers (VASPs)- have different regulatory obligations related to monitoring payment transactions and protecting clients.

Banks

Banks are expected to:

• Implement robust transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity.
• Educate and alert customers about potential scams and fraudulent transactions.
• Investigate unusual or potentially fraudulent transactions promptly.

The Arbiter, in its recent decision, emphasises that banks must go beyond general awareness campaigns and communicate directly with customers to reduce risk. Banks are partially accountable even when customers authorise transactions, making proactive prevention measures essential.

Financial Institutions (Licensed under the Financial Institutions Act)

Financial institutions share similar obligations with banks regarding transaction monitoring. They are urged to:

• Enhance due diligence procedures, specifically for corporate clients managing funds derived from retail customers.
• Require corporate clients to implement thorough onboarding systems for their own customers to reduce the risk of fraud.
• Exercise increased scrutiny for payment orders that provide only an IBAN without specifying a named beneficiary.
• Investigate transactions that deviate from typical patterns, with heightened attention to any subsequent transfers that appear unusual or suspicious.

Virtual Financial Asset Service Providers (VASPs)

Although VASPs are not subject to the same transaction monitoring standards as banks, they still hold fiduciary duties and are increasingly required to maintain detailed records. The Arbiter recommends that VASPs:

• Establish comprehensive onboarding processes, with particular attention to retail clients, to ensure proper verification and risk assessment.
• Inform clients of potential risks related to custodial wallets and the possibility of fraudulent schemes.
• Keep accurate and detailed records of external wallet holders, as digital asset transfers often move through complex networks that can obscure the ultimate beneficiaries.
• Enhance fraud prevention mechanisms, as highlighted in past Arbiter decisions.

Measures Financial Institutions Can Take to Reduce Liability

To mitigate risks and ensure compliance, financial service providers should:

• Maintain robust transaction monitoring systems.
• Alert customers promptly about suspicious activities.
• Investigate and document all suspicious transactions thoroughly.
• Record all customer interactions for accountability.
• Monitor short-term and unusual transaction patterns.
• Keep systems and software up to date.
• Block transactions when there is suspicion of fraud or unauthorised activity.

By adopting these measures, banks, financial institutions, and VASPs can significantly reduce their liability while protecting customers from emerging scams and fraudulent schemes.

Are You a Victim of a Financial Scam? What You Should Do

Falling victim to a financial scam can be stressful and disorienting, but it is important to act quickly. Taking no action allows fraudsters to succeed and can reduce your chances of recovering lost funds. Here are the steps customers and consumers should follow:

1. File a Complaint with Your Financial Institution

The first step is to report the incident to your bank or financial institution in writing, following their complaints procedure. Include in your complaint:

• A detailed description of the scam, including dates and times.
• Any communications received from the fraudster (emails, messages, chat logs).
• Proof of financial loss resulting from the scam.

Banks are required to respond within 15 working days of receiving a complaint. Filing a complaint can help trace funds and may increase the likelihood of recovery, while also contributing to stronger security measures and a safer financial environment.

2. Report the Scam to the Police

In parallel, file a report with local authorities. Reporting to the police is crucial for official investigation and potential prosecution of the fraudsters.

3. Collect Evidence

Gather as much evidence as possible, including:

• Emails, messages, or chat logs from the scammer.
• Financial transactions and receipts.
• Screenshots or documents related to the scam.

These are essential if you pursue legal action or escalate the complaint to OAFS.

4. Escalating the Complaint to the Arbiter for Financial Services

If your bank does not respond within the 15-day period or if you are unsatisfied with their response, you may file a complaint with the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS). Complaints to the Arbiter can only be submitted against banks and financial institutions licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

When considering responsibility, the Arbiter examines factors such as:

• Timing and nature of the bank’s interventions
• Actions taken to alert the customer
• Customer payment patterns and transaction history
• Robustness of the bank’s monitoring systems
• Any gross negligence by the bank or user
• Customer involvement in the scam
• Warnings issued by the financial institution
• Customer response to those warnings
• Whether the fraudster used normal communication channels to appear genuine
• Special or unusual circumstances

Concludingly, while modern technology offers unparalleled convenience, it also exposes us to new forms of risk. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using phone calls, text messages, emails, and online platforms to exploit unsuspecting victims. Understanding the methods they use and adopting proactive safeguards are essential steps in protecting both your personal and financial security. Awareness, caution, and timely action remain your strongest defences against fraud.

If you are a victim of a scam and require legal advice, please get in touch on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Article and research done by Ms Caitlin Turner, currently reading a Master of Advocacy at University of Malta.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

Part One

In the modern digital age, scams are growing more advanced. Financial fraud is no longer limited to simple tricks; modern scams use sophisticated methods to deceive victims and businesses alike and obtain their money or personal details. From “pig butchering” schemes – where victims are lured into fake investment opportunities through long-term manipulation – to classic phishing attacks that impersonate trusted financial institutions, fraudsters are constantly evolving their strategies. The consequences can be devastating, not only financially but also emotionally.

As a law firm, we see firsthand how these scams impact victims and how difficult recovery can be once funds have been transferred, or sensitive information is exposed. This is why awareness is the first line of defence. In this article, we explore some of the most common financial scams making headlines today, how to recognise them, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

The Most Common Type of Digital Scams

1. Phishing Scams

Among the most widespread forms of online fraud, phishing scams involve emails or text messages that appear to come from trusted businesses – such as banks or service providers – in order to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as passwords or bank account details. These messages often contain links directing victims to fake login pages or malicious websites controlled by the scammer. A related method, known as vishing, involves phone calls where fraudsters pose as reputable companies to extract sensitive details.

The Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services has even released a model outlining how responsibility should be divided between Payment Service Providers (PSPs, such as banks and payment institutions) and Payment Service Users (PSUs, or customers) in such cases.

• Investment and Ponzi Scheme Scams

Fraudsters promote fake investment opportunities promising unusually high returns with little or no risk. Early investors may see apparent “profits,” which are actually paid from funds deposited by newer victims, until the scheme inevitably collapses. These scams often involve the promotion of bonds, cryptocurrencies, or other financial products.

• Tech Support Scams

In these scams, fraudsters pose as IT technicians or customer service representatives, convincing victims that their devices are infected with malware or other problems. Victims are pressured to grant remote access, with the hope that the issue will be fixed, allowing scammers to steal data or initiate fraudulent transactions. Often, the scammers also demand payment for their supposed “repairs.”

• Romance Scams

Here, scammers build false relationships with victims, often via dating apps or social media, gaining their trust over time. Once a connection is established, they request money under pretences such as emergencies, travel expenses, or financial hardship.

• Online Shopping Scams

Fake websites or social media ads promote products that are either counterfeit or non-existent. Victims pay in full but either receive nothing or a poor-quality substitute.

• Wangiri Scams

This scam involves a call from an unfamiliar international number that rings only once before disconnecting. If the victim calls back, they are unknowingly connected to premium-rate services that generate significant profits for the fraudsters.

• Government Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters impersonate government authorities or official agencies, using threats of fines, deportation, account freezes, or legal action to pressure victims into making immediate payments. The aim is to instil panic and provoke a quick, unconsidered response.

• Pig-Butchering Scams

A more recent and highly damaging type of fraud, pig-butchering scams combine psychological manipulation with fake investment schemes. Scammers build trust with victims – often through extended online interactions – before persuading them to invest in fraudulent platforms, frequently involving cryptocurrency. These platforms are designed to mimic real investment returns, giving victims a false sense of security. Over time, victims are encouraged to invest larger sums into external wallets controlled by fraudsters. Eventually, the scammers vanish, leaving victims unable to access their funds. The term “pig butchering” comes from the idea of “fattening up” the victim through trust before financially “slaughtering” them. For further details, see the Technical Note issued by the Arbiter for Financial Services in December 2023, which addresses this scam and explains how responsibility may be shared between financial service providers and users.

How to Recognise the Signs of a Scam

Recognising the warning signs of a scam is the first step in protecting yourself from financial fraud. While scammers continually evolve their tactics, there are common indicators to watch out for:

• Unsolicited Contact: Exercise caution when receiving unexpected emails, calls, or messages presenting deals or opportunities that appear unusually attractive or too good to be true.
• Pressure and Urgency: Be wary of communications that push you to act immediately, as scammers often use urgency to prevent careful consideration.
• Requests for Sensitive Information: Legitimate organisations rarely ask for personal, financial, or account details via unsecured channels.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Be wary of requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrencies, wire transfers, or other non-traditional methods.
• Lack of Transparency: Scams often involve vague, inconsistent, or confusing information, with little accountability or verifiable details.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many fraudulent messages contain noticeable errors, unusual phrasing, or unprofessional formatting.

Local cases identified by the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS) also highlight common tactics, such as:

• Keeping payments below €5,000 to avoid triggering daily limits.
• Using links for “validation” or “authentication,” which lead victims to fraudulent sites despite warnings from banks and regulators.

It’s important to remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate entities will never ask for PINs, passwords, or banking details via phone, email, or text.

If you are a victim of a scam and require legal advice, please get in touch on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Article and research done by Ms Caitlin Turner, currently reading a Master of Advocacy at University of Malta.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

The Malta Labour Migration Policy, which is being phased in throughout 2025 (full policy available here), will see three key measures come into effect in October. These measures directly impact third-country nationals (TCNs), employers, and other stakeholders, and are outlined below.

Measures commencing 1st October 2025:

1. Salary Payment Method for Newly Engaged TCNs

As of 1st October 2025, all salary payments to third-country nationals who enter the country or change jobs as of the Bill’s implementation date, (being 1st October 2025), must be conducted exclusively via licensed financial institutions (electronic payments). Cash payments will no longer be recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the employment contract.

2. Interim Permits for TCNs from Visa Waiver Countries

TCNs that originate from visa waiver countries and apply for a single permit within 60 days of entering the Schengen Area will be granted an interim permit allowing them to remain in Malta while their application is processed. However, individuals applying between 61 and 90 days after entering the Schengen Area will be required to await the application’s outcome from outside the Schengen Area.

3. Support for Victims of Human Trafficking

Third-country nationals identified as victims of human trafficking who apply for residence permits under S.L. 217.07 will be exempt from application fees. These permits will be valid for one year rather than the current six months and may be renewed throughout the entire duration of any related court proceedings.

As a specialised immigration law firm in Malta, we handle numerous procedures for third-country nationals related to work permits, change of employment, family reunification, appeals and more.

We encourage you to contact us for support on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con un focus particolare su questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

Questo articolo è stato originariamente pubblicato qui: https://whoswho.mt/en/how-sciberras-advocates-protects-businesses-in-employment-disputes.

From unfair dismissal claims to discrimination disputes, Sciberras Advocates stands by employers with the expertise to protect businesses and their reputations.

Running a business is challenging, and disputes with employees are often among the toughest to navigate.

Claims of unfair dismissal, wrongful discharge, or discrimination can disrupt operations and damage both reputation and morale.

Sciberras Advocates specialises in employment law, including defending employers. The firm ensures that their rights are protected and that disciplinary or termination decisions are upheld when made on solid and lawful grounds.

Defending against unfair dismissal claims

One of the most common issues that employers face is an employee challenging their dismissal. Maltese law provides that dismissals must be based on a ‘good and sufficient cause’ or redundancy. However, employees may contest legitimate disciplinary actions by alleging that terminations are discriminatory or unlawful.

“In a recent case, Sciberras Advocates represented a local company that had dismissed an employee for repeated negligence,” explains founder Adrian Sciberras. “The individual later claimed that the termination was discriminatory, tying it to her pregnancy.”

“Before the Industrial Tribunal, Sciberras Advocates demonstrated that the dismissal was unrelated to her pregnancy but was instead a result of her poor conduct, supported by multiple witness testimonies,” he continues. “The Tribunal ruled in favour of the client, confirming that the dismissal was lawful and justified. When the case was appealed, we successfully argued that the appeal was inadmissible since it attempted to re-argue facts rather than points of law. The decision was upheld, confirming the employer’s actions were justified.”

Protecting employers

Employers are sometimes accused of dismissing staff without proper process, even when decisions are entirely justified. These situations can escalate into costly disputes if not handled correctly.

Sciberras Advocates provides robust representation to ensure employers are shielded from exaggerated or unfounded claims, while also guiding them through proper termination procedures to avoid unnecessary risks.

The firm’s casework consistently demonstrates that thorough preparation and strong evidence can decisively protect a company’s position.

Discrimination claims can quickly escalate into reputational issues for any business.

Employees may allege that decisions were made based on gender, religion, trade union membership, or other protected grounds. The firm works with employers to prove that their actions were grounded in legitimate business needs and performance-related factors.

In doing so, it safeguards the clients’ reputations and ensures their decisions are recognised as fair and compliant with the law.

Why employers trust Sciberras Advocates

“Employment and labour law disputes can be complex, emotional, and high-stakes for both employers and employees,” says Dr Sciberras. “At Sciberras Advocates, the focus is on navigating these challenges with precision, ensuring that clients’ rights are protected while delivering practical and fair outcomes.”

Sciberras Advocates stands firmly with employers, offering the expertise and strategic defence needed to handle claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, and wrongful discharge with confidence. The firm strategically combines detailed knowledge of employment law with extensive courtroom and tribunal experience.

Moreover, the firm offers other related services. These include drafting employment contracts, data and privacy protections, and policies, from human resources policies to health and safety policies. Sciberras Advocates also assists in negotiating employment terminations, resolving employment-related issues, obtaining work permit for foreigners, transferring employment contracts, advising in dispute resolution, defamation, settlements, whistleblowing scenarios, and other specialised services related to employment and labour law issues.

If your business is facing an employment dispute, or if you want to safeguard your company against potential claims, Sciberras Advocates is here to help. The team combines legal expertise with practical business insight to provide clear, decisive solutions that protect your interests.

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con particolare attenzione alle questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

Updated with Info on Schengen Information System (SIS) and Entry/Exit System (EES)

Overstaying your authorised period of stay in Malta or elsewhere in the Schengen Area is a serious immigration violation that can have lasting consequences. Whether the overstay arises from a visa breach, loss of employment without timely renewal, or another situation, it is important to understand the risks and the legal options available to you.

At Sciberras Advocates, we regularly assist clients facing overstays, return decisions, and entry bans, helping them understand Maltese and EU immigration law.

What Happens If You Overstay in Malta?

Detection and Recording

• All overstays in Malta are recorded, and personal details of the individual are taken.
• Return decisions and removal orders are issued in most cases.
• An entry ban is systematically imposed, even if the overstay began in another Schengen country.

How Overstays Are Detected

• Immigration officials primarily check entry and exit stamps in passports, including counterfeit or altered stamps.
• Reports of overstayers may also come from hotels, airlines, or other institutions.
• Overstays are assessed based on the total time spent in the Schengen Area, not just in Malta.

Common Reasons Given by Overstayers

• Misunderstanding visa rules, confusing visa validity with the authorised period of stay.
• Lack of awareness of the Schengen 90/180-day rule.
• Delays in applying for new work permits after employment termination.

Consequences of Overstaying in the Schengen Area

An overstay never goes unnoticed. Sanctions apply whether the breach occurred in Malta or elsewhere in the Schengen Zone. If you overstay, you may face:

• Deportation
• Immediate return orders
• Difficulties returning to the Schengen Area in the future
• Fines
• A ban from re-entering the Schengen Zone

Entry bans are entered into the Schengen Information System (SIS), meaning the restriction applies across all Schengen Member States. The SIS is Europe’s largest and most widely used platform for sharing security and border management data. Since there are no internal borders between Schengen countries, SIS plays a crucial role in compensating for border controls, serving as a key cooperation tool for immigration, law enforcement, customs, and judicial authorities across the EU and Schengen-associated states.

Through SIS, authorised national authorities such as police and border guards can enter and access alerts on persons and objects in a single shared database; it is used as an enforcement tool. This enables the identification and location of individuals or items anywhere in the Schengen Area during border checks, police controls, or other lawful inspections.

From October, Europe will introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This is a digital system that will register the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays (up to 90 days) in 29 European countries. It replaces the old system of manually stamping passports.

The EES will be used as a prevention tool. It automatically records when one enters and when one leaves, so authorities can see immediately if someone stays longer than they are allowed. This makes it much harder for overstays to go unnoticed. Once an overstay or violation is detected, an alert will be added to SIS. In simpler form, EES will catch overstays early by tracking movements in real time, while SIS ensures that any entry bans or immigration decisions are enforced across the whole Schengen Area.

Can You Appeal or Regularise Your Position?

Yes. If you are served with a return decision, deportation order, or entry ban, you have legal rights and options. In certain humanitarian or exceptional cases, the Principal Immigration Officer (PIO) may even regularise a person’s immigration position.

Appealing or challenging such decisions requires careful legal preparation. An immigration lawyer can:

• Evaluate your case and immigration history
• Explain your rights under Maltese and EU law
• Prepare and submit documentation on time
• Represent you before the Immigration Appeals Board

How Sciberras Advocates Can Help

At Sciberras Advocates, our immigration practice is dedicated to assisting third-country nationals with:

• Appeals before the Immigration Appeals Board
• Requests to the Principal Immigration Officer for regularisation of status
• Challenging removal orders
• Overturning entry bans

If you are facing an overstay issue in Malta, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice before taking any action. You can learn more about our immigration services on our dedicated webpage: https://sciberras.legal/practice-areas/immigration-law/. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to speak with one of our experienced immigration lawyers. We are committed to finding effective solutions to safeguard your rights.

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con un focus particolare su questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

Employers in Malta must now review the Preliminary Labour Market Test results on the Jobsplus portal before submitting any new applications for the employment of third-country nationals.

This change forms part of the Malta Labour Migration Policy Implementation (Workforce Application Limits) and is intended to give employers an early indication of whether their applications are likely to pass the initial screening process.

It is important to note, however, that a positive preliminary result does not guarantee approval. Applications may still undergo further checks and due diligence before a final decision is issued.

To access the results, employers should simply log in to the Jobsplus portal and follow the steps provided.

Employers looking for support on single work permits, are encouraged to contact us for support on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con un focus particolare su questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

We would like to notify all Third Country Nationals that as of August 2025, anyone who submits an appeal at the Malta Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) now has 10 days to provide the board the full file with submissions and supporting documentation for the appeal.

To remind you of the procedure: If you have received a refusal or a ban, and you would like to appeal, the best way forward is to go directly in person to the Immigration Appeals Board office in Valletta and open an appeal. Once done, you will be given a receipt containing the appeal reference number and a deadline of 10 days to provide relevant submissions/supporting documentation.

When attending at the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) office in Valletta you will need to fill in the Official Appeals Form which can be downloaded from here: https://sciberras.legal/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IAB-Appeal-Form-Oct-2025.pdf

Please ensure you take a copy of the Refusal Letter and your Residence Card / Passport.

Once this procedure is done, please you may set up an appointment with one of the immigration lawyers at Sciberras Advocates to request assistance services with the paperwork and submission file for your appeal.

More info here: https://sciberras.legal/2025/01/08/malta-immigration-appeals-board-iab-information/

Kindly note that our team of immigration lawyers in Malta at Sciberras Advocates can assist you with appeals at the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB).

We encourage you to contact us for support on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con un focus particolare su questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

We would like to notify all Third Country Nationals about the following new residence cards fees from Identita’:

-Family Reunification
-Family Members Policy
-Family Unity
-Students
-Change of Address
-Lost/Stolen/Damaged Residence Permits

Applicable fee for New and Renewal Applications: €50

-Long-Term Residence
Applicable fee for New Applications for 5 years: €500

Kindly note that our team of immigration lawyers in Malta at Sciberras Advocates can assist you with appeals and any of the above-mentioned applications in Malta.

We encourage you to contact us for support on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con un focus particolare su questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

Recently, the holders of Operator Licences have encountered several problems with respect to their garaging facilities. This is because of the lack of sufficient garaging spaces that they possess to accommodate the vehicles covered under the said operator licences as stipulated by Transport Malta’s regulations. Consequently, Transport Malta notified all the respective Operator Licence holders that their Operator Licences would be suspended unless those affected by such warning regularised their position or submitted representations in writing before such Authority.

Thus, the respective Operator Licence holders were put in a burdened position because they had to take immediate action to try to resolve such a situation as otherwise their Operator Licences were going to be suspended.

Two key considerations arise from this decision. Firstly, the suspension of these Operator Licences presents an opportunity to reflect on the proportionality of such measures, particularly in instances where Operators had already begun addressing the relevant requirements. For example, some had started the process to obtain the designation as a Public Service Garage. Additionally, by such suspension such Operators were going to incur a hefty financial loss and ultimately the employees who worked with such Operators were also going to suffer because their income was going to drastically decrease. Additionally, because the service offered by the Operators was critical and this because the Operators worked in the Public Transport industry, such suspension was going to create a public disservice especially because the touristic period had started.

Reference should also be made to the respective piece of subsidiary legislation that regulates such Operators, that is, the ‘Light Passenger Transport Services and Vehicle Hire Services Regulations’, Subsidiary Legislation 499.68. More specifically, regulation 12(2) that states the following:

‘’ (2) An operator’s licence may be suspended or withdrawn on any of the following grounds:

(a)  where  the  holder  has  supplied  incorrect information to the Authority in relation to the issuance of a licence or any other matter connected thereto; or

(b)  where  the  holder  has  breached  any  of  the conditions of the licence and has not remedied such breach in spite of having been given written notice of the breach and a reasonable time in which to do so:

Provided  that,  unless  there  exist  gross  acts  of misconduct  or negligence  or  any  other  serious  grounds  for immediate suspension, withdrawal or revocation, the operative date of such notice shall be not less than twenty-eight days from the date of notification.’’

In many cases, such Operators did not perform any gross acts of misconduct or negligence or any other serious grounds for immediate suspension, withdrawal or revocation. Thus, and according to the abovementioned proviso, the suspension could not come into effect before twenty-eight days passed from the date of the notification of such suspension.

Reference should also be made to regulation 12(6) of such Subsidiary Legislation which states the following:

‘’(6)  A suspension or revocation in terms of this regulation shall be effected by the Authority of its own motion or by order of a court of criminal jurisdiction:

Provided that, where the Authority intends to suspend or revoke  an  operator’s  licence  of  its  own  motion,  it  shall  give  the operator  concerned  notice  in  writing  setting  out  the  reasons  for  its intention  to  do  so.  Every  notice  given  shall  state  that  the  operator concerned  may,  within  ten  (10)  days  from  service  thereof,  make representations  in  writing  to  the  Authority  giving  reasons  why the operator’s  licence  should  not  be  suspended  or  revoked  and  the Authority shall consider any representations so made before arriving at a final decision. The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the operator concerned. The operator concerned shall have the right to  appeal  to  the  Tribunal  against  the  decision  of the  Authority  to suspend or revoke the operator’s licence within twenty (20) days from notification of the Authority’s decision:

Provided further that the suspension of the licence shall have immediate effect notwithstanding any appeal therefrom, unless otherwise  ordered  by  the  Tribunal  or  by  a  court  of  criminal jurisdiction….’’

Through a careful analysis of the second proviso of such regulation the suspension of the licence will take effect immediately, even if an appeal is filed, unless the Tribunal or a criminal court order otherwise. Thus, that is why it was important for such Operators to appeal their case before the Administrative Tribunal so that it could give the appropriate order. Such right emerges from the above-mentioned regulation.

In conclusion, Transport Malta’s role in overseeing the regularisation of Operator Licence holders is clear; however, it may be worth considering whether the process could have incorporated additional measures to support a proportionate outcome.

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Article written by Dr Mariah Ann Fenech, LL.B.(Hons.)(Melit.) M.Adv (Melit.), an Associate Lawyer at Sciberras Advocates.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].

We would like to notify all Third Country Nationals that the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) have issued a new Appeals Form in order to lodge an appeal at the IAB Valletta office. One can download the form as follows:

A reminder about the procedure to open an appeal:

If you have received a refusal or a ban, and you would like to appeal, the best way forward is to go directly in person to the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) office in Valletta and open an appeal. Once done, you will be given a receipt containing the appeal reference number and a deadline of one month to provide relevant submissions/supporting documentation.

When attending at the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) office in Valletta you will need to fill in the Official Appeals Form. Please ensure you take a copy of the Refusal Letter and your Residence Card / Passport.

Kindly note that our team of immigration lawyers in Malta at Sciberras Advocates can assist you with appeals at Immigration Appeals Board and appeals at the Court of Appeal, to protect your immigration status and residency in Malta.

We encourage you to contact us for support on [email protected].

Questo articolo è solo a scopo informativo e non deve essere interpretato come consulenza legale.

Articolo scritto dalla Sig.ra Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), collaboratrice esterna, specialista in marketing e amministrazione aziendale con un focus particolare su questioni societarie, contabili e legali.

Sciberras Advocates, fondato dall'Avvocato Adrian Sciberras, è uno studio legale con sede a Malta. Lo studio si vanta di essere multidisciplinare, innovativo e flessibile per far fronte ai tempi che cambiano e a qualsiasi sfida nello scenario legale locale e internazionale. Qualunque siano le complesse esigenze private o societarie richieste, Sciberras Advocates offre soluzioni legali pratiche ed economiche per raggiungere i risultati desiderati. È possibile contattare Sciberras Advocates telefonicamente al numero +35627795222o via email su [email protected].