Foreigners on long-term residence permit to follow course about Malta

People from outside the EU who apply for long-term resident tatus in Malta have to follow a course on the social, economic, cultural and democratic history and environment of Malta in order to help them integrate in Maltese society, according to a legal notice published in the Government Gazette.

The requirement is in keeping with directives of the European Union. It also applies to migrants who are granted a long term residence permit in Malta, such as those granted refugee status.

The course must be of at least 100 hours and must be provided by an agency recognised by the government. The applicant must attain a pass mark of at least 75%.

The regulations provide, among other things, that applicants have to prove that they and their families have stable and regular resources to maintain themselves without recourse to social assistance and that they have appropriate accommodation.

The regulations also provide that the family members of a person granted long term residence status shall be allowed to accompany the third country national in Malta.