Just 11 Maltese couples obtain overseas divorce every year - anti-divorce movement
Only an average of 11 Maltese couples registered divorces obtained abroad every year, the anti-divorce movement said.
This was less than 0.5 per cent of the average of 2,400 marriages registered in Malta each year, it said in a statement.
The movement said it studied the number of divorces obtained from abroad and registered in Malta between 2000 and 2010 and found that three of every four divorces registered in Malta was between foreign couples or couples where one of the parties was a foreigner.
Last week, the Divorce Movement said that in the 36 years since Malta started recognising divorce granted abroad, recognition had been granted in 785 cases and the rate was constantly increasing.
The movement had said that the spouses were either both Maltese, both foreigners, or a mix.
Over the years, 422 of the divorces recognised by Malta were registered in the UK, followed by 112 from Australia, 43 from the US, 31 from Germany, 29 from Canada, and 18 from Italy, the divorce movement had said.
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Mr M Borg
May 18th 2011, 13:27
The anti-divorce are playing with numbers, They want one and all to think that getting a divorce from a foreign
country is an easy thing.
We even had JPO saying that he can apply " online and get his divorce practically immediately ". We all know
that this cannot be done, so why say it ?
If we are told that only 11 divorces between Maltese are registered each year why are the IVA giving the
impression that all 785 divorce that were recognized were between Maltese.
Why are they out to confuse people, why not give the correct figure ?
They started out with a dishonest loaded question, won't they ever come clean ?
Mr John Cassar
May 18th 2011, 07:34
Frankly even if it were less than 11 divorces a year, the fact remains that some Maltese had their divorces recognized in Malta and could remarry. Therefore there is a two tier system in place.
Furthermore, it is interesting to take a look at the statistics AFTER we joined the European Union in 2004 as the figures mushroom somewhat.
Remember that before we joined the EU, there was no freedom of movement and hence it was more difficult to register one's (supposedly) domicile abroad.
A vote for divorce is a vote for solidarity
A vote against divorce is selfishness.......that may come back to haunt you or your children one day.
Elaine Compagno
May 18th 2011, 01:53
My aunt got divorced in the 80's. She remarried and has what I would call a model marriage. I'm sure they have their ups and downs, but my god, what a strong, happy married life she has had the second time around.
My aunt and uncle have a son, my cousin. A good boy, very good in school and will no doubt be successful in his adult life. And I have often told my aunt how much i look up to them all. They are an inspiration to me and i sincerely wish all married people to have at least a fraction of the love and happiness they share.
All thanks to Divorce.
I don't care if it's even just 1 divorce per year, that 1 divorce counts. It counts because I have seen how my aunt's life has changed and unfolded into something beautiful. She deserved it and so do we all. We all deserve to be happy.
Mr Joe Gatt
May 17th 2011, 20:26
So what is all the fuss and scaremongering all about?
Divorce should not threaten the moral fabric of our morally strong and just society really.
Gerry Cowie
May 17th 2011, 19:43
As usual the barrage of vitriol and sarcasm from the pro lobby really let their cause down! Both sides are using figures to prove their points, so here is the pot calling the kettle black! The pro movement has succeeded in making itself the best weapon available to the anti lobby, and all because they cannot resist digging at the religion of the majority of people in Malta.
It is true that people often go abroad to get what they can't get in Malta. It is interesting that P Vincenti also mentions abortion. I can see why he does this. He sees divorce as the tip of the iceberg and that other hotly contested issues such as abortion may go the same way, basically by the same people who are pushing hard for divorce. Whilst others vilify him for even daring to make this link, he is entitled to make it.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 18th 2011, 09:15
"The pro movement has succeeded in making itself the best weapon available to the anti lobby" you really can't come up with anything new can you?
Bill Khan
May 17th 2011, 18:58
Why not simply wait ,for the referendum and not, argue like a bunch of divorcing couples, with kids screaming in the background.
Mr M Vella***
May 17th 2011, 18:34
POGGUTI FOR EVER,you can change that,go and vote yes for divorce, Don't deny a family to your loved ones,grant this basic human right to whoever needs it.Don't fool yourself, It can be your kids or your grandchildren who might need it in the future,sometimes we close a door , that we might regret in the future, than the blame will be all ours .
Id-divorzju huwa ghal min ghandhu bzonnu biss. Min ma jridux ma jiehdux.
Mr ALBERT FENECH
May 17th 2011, 18:07
Many thanks for this totally useless piece of statistics. What I would like to know from the "NO" movement is the number of separations/resultant cohabitation from the current annual 2,400 marriages per annum, besides those who are opting totally out of marriage to cohabit and avoid future court ligitation to separate.
ALBERT FENECH
Qawra
Marcel Ellis
May 17th 2011, 16:49
I am one of the lucky 11 people who was unlucky enough to need a divorce. 'God' graced me by granting me the ability to get my divorce. The fact that only 11 people could get a divorce while there were thousands of annulments (the other lucky ones) and several more thousands who are seperated and cannot get annuled / divorced only goes to prove the urgency for the need to introduce divorce. If the anti divorce movement is so worried about God's will, then surely they must realise they are breaking another of God's will - That to leave mankind Free Will. If divorce is such a bad thing in the eyes of God, then the only religious role would be to educate those who wish a divorce AFTER the referendum and leave it to God to judge and punish or otherwise. As far as I am concerned, I cannot see how I would get punished by an all knowing God for needing a divorce because my ex decided to break the 7th commandment and more. So please, follow your God's teaching. Leave the people Free Will and let Him be the judge.
Keith Goodlip
May 17th 2011, 16:44
Why take a sample from 10 years (2000 to 2010), which apparently averages to 11.
To get the whole picture they should average all years. 785 (Divorces) divide by 36 years, makes 22 divorces per year (Yikes!! its double). The anti-divorce movement are just playing with numbers. What this shows is that in the last 10 years less divorces have been obtained abroad.
Mr M Borg
May 17th 2011, 17:55
The anti-divorce is not playing with numbers .
785 is the total of foreign divorced registered in Malta , which you are right , make up to roughly 22 divorces per year
Out of these only 11 were divorces between Maltese couples , so it was the IVA who played with figures by not breaking them up in the correct way.
Mr Joe Zammit
May 17th 2011, 16:23
A simple argument:
Behind all sins there is always the devil.
Divorce is a grave sin.
Therefore, behind divorce there is always the devil.
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!
Mr Matthew Grima
May 17th 2011, 17:44
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!
What do I win Joe? What do I win?!
Mr Chris Briffa
May 17th 2011, 20:25
Mr Zammit you continually hog these spots with your Fire and Brimstone 19th Century messages. Believe me, you are doing much harm and damage to your Chrurch.
Mr Alex Buds
May 18th 2011, 23:53
Maybe not everybody agrees with your thoughts on sin and divorce.
For example, I think they're garbage.
Mr Joe Zammit
May 17th 2011, 16:23
Some are mixing up divorce with remarriage. Divorce is not remarriage. Divorce is the dissolution of a validly contracted marriage by a human person. In an annulment there is no dissolution because there is no marriage.
And here is the evil of divorce: you have a valid marriage in which the spouses have solemnly VOWED to remain each other's, to remain faithful to each other in that, and ONLY in that marriage, and then somebody who has no say in that marriage abuses by declaring that marriage invalid.
What God has united let no man, no State put asunder! This is the greatest argument against the evil and the superficiality of divorce. This prohibition applies to all marriages, religious or not. No person, no MP can vote for it without sinning seriously against God!
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!
Mr Vincent Cassar
May 17th 2011, 16:12
Well...that is a good reason why we shouldn't scare the whole nation against the introduction of a divorce law...don't you think?
Demis Paul Scerri
May 17th 2011, 15:53
If I could afford it, I would like to obtain the divorce from abroad but I can't . The anti-divorce group by this statement shows lack of understanding and sensibility in this matter. Why do I have to leave my job and country to obtain a divorce where everyone in his own country can do so? This is discrimination at its' best! You are such selfish people!!
F Desira
May 17th 2011, 15:44
A farse, nothing more nothing less, a referendum on such a delicate issue.......unbelievable.....welcome to Malta.......
Mr Michael Buhagiar
May 17th 2011, 16:18
if you dont like it in Malta move on abroad! very easy today.
Joseph Borg
May 17th 2011, 15:41
Why don't the anti-divorce movement get some actual figures from their 'friends' at curia on how many annulments are executed each year in Malta and the cost for each one?
By the way, while there, they can also check were ALL the profits go?
Ins't it obvious that divorce figures are low... Not everyone can just go to England and get divorced. This is why divorce is a right that each and everyone of us should have as a maltese citizen. That doesn't mean that, once divorce is legal in Malta, I should just throw away my wife and kids and my marriage.
But unfortunately, the anti-divorce movement thinks that most maltese open-minded persons still think like old pensioners; i.e: if they vote for divorce, they would go to hell and Jesus would not let them in to Heaven.
Get a life and stop licking, if you know what I mean!?
Edgar Azzopardi
May 17th 2011, 15:26
...and what is the point exactly????
These are the well to do couples who are so keen to put their relationships within legality that they do all they can to obtain a divorce. The fact that 'only some ' Maltese can do so - for financial or other reasons is a kick in the teeth to all those who beleive in democracy . The Anti- Divorce movemnt should be ashamed of themselves for promoting descrimination between the Maltese. If they are really consistent they should start lobbying so that Malta WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT DIVORCE FROM ABROAD .- ha naraw kemm huma bravi.
Also they should start lobbying against cohabitaion....and sex before marriage ,once they are at i t!!! I am sure that they will find plenty of support from Gonzi and his puppets, as well as from the Church Administrators.
We do NOT CARe if the lucky ones are 11 or 11 thousand ! Discrimination is NOT ON.
Raymond Sacco
May 17th 2011, 15:17
JUST 11 they say?????? this is exactly why divorce should be introduced in malta! the few who can afford it are privileged over the rest of the population!
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 17th 2011, 15:15
If the anti divorce movement took the time to find out how many divorces took place in Malta last year and they came up with only 11, why are they so adamant about fighting the introduction of divorce in Malta. Why are they spending thousands of euros to fight this preposition? Who is spending all this money to fight the divorce issue, the Government or the Catholic Church? Where is all this anti campaign money coming from? If there is only an average of 11 divorces per year in Malta here is the gain for the anti divorce group? Political or religious? If it's political then the government is wasting Tax Payers Money. If it is the Catholic Church it is a sin to spend all that money to save souls. You cannot force somebody to stay married if they choose not to stay married, or if a marriage fails. Why is the Government so adamant about denying divorce to a couple if they choose to divorce? And yet a couple can go overseas and obtain a divorce which is recognized legal by the government of Malta. If the church is really running out of money, (the curia stated this earlier) Why is the church spending thousands of euros to deny divorce to couples when the church itself offers divorce in the name of annulment? I can understand the scope of the GonziPN to muster votes, but why does the church allow the dissolution of marriage only through annulments? Why not divorce, which is one and the same? Is annulment available and ready only for the rich and the elite few? Shame on the government for wasting Tax Payers Money to fight the divorce initiative through a very unnecessary and wasteful referendum. The government could have invested all those millions of euros in something more worth while, like bailing out Air Malta, or paying off some of the debt of Enemalta, maybe spend some of that money to help relocate the Triton Fountain (bad idea), maybe invest that money to build the New Upper Barrakka lift, maybe, they can afford to put a roof on the new proposed Opera House (HaHa), and maybe the government can afford to Give Themselves another Pay Raise. Stop wasting Tax Payers Money . Why is the Government, the Church and the anti Divorce Movement spending a fortune to fight against 11 divorces a year? Something does not add up?
Victor Pulis
May 17th 2011, 15:09
So what's the point?
Ms Emma Xerri
May 17th 2011, 14:59
The fact that only 11 Maltese obtained divores abroad in one year highlights the fact that divorce is sorely needed in Malta. These people obviously had the means and opportunity to domicile abroad and obtain there divoroces there, something that the general population cannot afford - so it is one justice for the rich or the connected and another one for the rest of us.
By the way, what are the divorce statistics for Maltese living abroad? Many are divorced, some more then once and still attend Church and take holy communion. These Maltese number in the hundreds, but of course no one speaks of them, as the Church is only concerned with the local bunch which it wants under its strict control - the others have already flown the coop.
Adrian Figallo
May 17th 2011, 14:42
Being 11, 100 or a 1000 it still means that not all Maltese have Equal rights. You cannot live in a situation where who has the money can get divorce and being recognized in Malta and who couldn't afford it just cannot obtain it. Everybody knows, rights in a country must be Equal for everybody and divorce should be made available to all Maltese citizens not for just the few that can afford it.
P. Vincenti
May 17th 2011, 15:08
Mr Figallo
The argument that you make is baseless. What you claim does not make sense.
There is an average of 55 abortion procured abroad in the UK by Maltese women every year.
Should we now legalise abortion as well? If anything there are five times as many people seeking an abortion.
P. Vincenti
May 17th 2011, 15:11
Andrew
women seeking an abortion.
yes they are people but so areThe argument that you make is baseless. There is an average of 55 abortion procured abroad in the UK by Maltese women every year.
Should we now legalise abortion as well? If anything there are five times as many people seeking an abortion.
Yours is not a valid argument for divorce.
Mr David Farrugia
May 17th 2011, 16:06
Dan P. Vinenti dejjem ihallt il hass mal gass.
Tridx nghamlu l-adulterju kriminali sur Vincenti? Min jaqlibha lil partner jispicca l-habs. Jew forsi tippreferi 'burning at the stake'?
Mr Adrian Borg Cardona
May 17th 2011, 14:38
This comment does not make sense. It is only 11 couples because only 11 couples could afford to obtain divorce from abroad. Bringing in divorce would eliminate this discrimination. Again the 'Yes' movement has got it wrong. We are not voting to obtain the right of divorce for these 11 couples - they are divorced already. If divorce is introduced in Malta, more than 11 couples would be able to obtain divorce. And in any case, why do they say 'only' 11 couples? Are they not humans with feelings like the rest of us? Should we not help evrey single human whom we can help - nit just '11 couples'? The statistic also leaves out where one party is Maltese - another blunder.
P. Vincenti
May 17th 2011, 15:07
The argument that you make is baseless. What you claim does not make sense.
There is an average of 55 abortion procured abroad in the UK by Maltese women every year.
Should we now legalise abortion as well? If anything there are five times as many people seeking an abortion.
Andrew Calleja
May 17th 2011, 16:24
@ P. Vincenti
Why are you bringing abortion into the argument?
The issue revolves around divorce - a procedure which is legally available in all european countries and the outcome of which is also accepted by the Maltese government.
Abortion is not legal in Malta and not accepted by the local government even if carried out abroad. Anyone caught out by the authorities for carrying out the procedure locally or abroad will be prosecuted according to our laws.
Qed thallat il hass mal kass!
Mr Matthew Grima
May 17th 2011, 17:48
P. Vincenti, take off your horse blinders please. Thank you.
David Caruana
May 17th 2011, 14:18
I would like to thank, really, the anti-divorce movement for proving that a divorce law in Malta is NEEDED!
So with this you are confirming that 11 Maltese couples every year are lucky enough to have the money to obtain a divorce from a foreign country (and being fully recognised in Malta), while the rest of us - the lesser equals - have to lump it!
YES FOR DIVORCE!
Mr Paul Barrett
May 17th 2011, 14:17
This goes to show that the anti-divorce movement and indeed the Roman Catholic Church are making a great deal of fuss about what they now claim to be only a very minor problem effecting only the tiniest proportion of marriages.
They have totally overlooked the principle of the whole matter and that is the FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION. It is the freedom of choice, the freedom to believe in only one chance of happiness and if it fails then live with your failure or choose to pick yourself up and try again. Even though many abroad and indeed even more likely here in Malta, few will opt for a second try at marriage over the option of cohabitation is irrelevant - it is the freedom of choice that is important.
Mr James Cauchi
May 17th 2011, 14:13
Even if only ONE couple desired divorce in the whole of the Maltese Islands, the Maltese nation would have no moral right (not to be confused with self-professed god-given rights) to prevent them from doing so, because it is their lives and their lives are none of anybody elses concern; and because they are more qualified to determine what is best for themselves and their families than any other, no matter how important they feel their position is or how heavy the book they thump may be.
The referendum that should never have been... where a nation gets to decide the rights of a civil minority.
Mr Marco Cremona
May 17th 2011, 14:04
So what? It's the principle that matters not the numbers.
What do these 11 Maltese couples have that other separated don't? Money? Since when did we condone separate rights for the rich and the poor?
Charles J. Buttigieg
May 17th 2011, 13:54
That's alright then. Let's all vote No to divorce.
Ryan Scicluna
May 17th 2011, 13:49
allura hekk sew? il-Maltin ma andhomx dritt ikunu bhal-ohrajn???
Paul Camilleri
May 17th 2011, 13:48
I would not brag about this because it further confirms that only the elite (rich) of society can afford to get divorce in this country. Such a statistic indicates that divorce is a perk.
André Xuereb
May 17th 2011, 13:42
Pardon my ignorance, but doesn't this mean that even though many people already do have access to divorce, only those few who really need it are actually making use of it? In other words, doesn't this statement fly in the face of pretty much everything that the anti-divorce movement has been telling us for months?
Mr Matthew Grima
May 17th 2011, 13:38
Doesn't matter, 1 or 1000, it's still possible. You either accept divorce as a country or you don't
Mr J Xerri
May 17th 2011, 13:36
So only 11 couples per year could afford to apply for an overseas divorce and then ask the Maltese Courts to recognise their divorce. It seems that last year more people could afford this as according to a parliamentary reply the number rose to 45.
Actually what is the point that the anti-divoce movement trying to make when quoting these figures?!
Adrian Vassallo
May 17th 2011, 13:30
It's like saying: Just 11 Maltese got a reduced tax hike per year. Would anyone be happy with that? How can a country like Malta discriminate against its own people by not legislating either for a just divorce law or legislating an amendment so that divorce granted from other countries will not be recognised anymore. The argument does not hold! Either it is a civil right or not'no matter if you get it from Malta or from Burkhina Fazo. And the politicians.......from both sides........You are elected by majority but you legislate to protect the minority! And please..........do try to make a sound legal system to protect the children, the parties and the society in general.
Mr Lino Attard
May 17th 2011, 13:26
Allura ghalfejn dan il-fuss kollu??? Juri kemm ma'xbajtux tghaddu l-poplu biz-zmien.
Mr M Vella***
May 17th 2011, 13:23
When will Cikku Poplu wake up and realise that not all Maltese citizens are enjoying the same and EQUAL RIGHTS between themselves and their E.U. Member States Citizens abroad!Remember at the moment in Malta, divorce is a privilege for the few.
YES WE CAN CHANGE IT ALL, VOTE YES FOR DIVORCE,
Ms D Galea
May 17th 2011, 14:38
....and bill the tax payer with the expense involved in this hastily called referendum.......all THREE MILLION EUROS.
That sum could have been given instead to such organizations as Puttinu Cares or provided scholarships for needy and deserving students or went to help support childrens' and old people's homes
Ms S Micallef
May 17th 2011, 15:03
@ Ms. Galea....i don't think this is the right forum to complain about the cost of the referendum. That is another issue altogether.
I am pro divorce but I think that the government could have done away with this referendum and got on with the introduction.
So what because we forked out money for the referendum we should vote no?
Andrew Calleja
May 17th 2011, 15:24
With your argument why should we be paying for childrens' and old people's homes . . . aren't they also a minority of the islands' population? Why don't we let them fend for themselves?!
Moreover, just imagine the help that the church could have given to these institutions by diverting all the money it is throwing into this anti divorce campaign - with your argument you must agree that it has got its priorities wrong
Mr M Vella***
May 17th 2011, 15:47
@Ms D Galea,or higher salaries for the blue eyed boys and even better wages for our ministers. Miskiena Malta.
Mr Patrick Zammit
May 17th 2011, 13:21
Don't you think that it is the principle that counts?
It takes a very bigoted Govt (as well as an equally bigoted anti divorce movement) to argue that it is ok to deny its common citizens divorce legislation whilst recognizing 11 foreign divorces, unlike the Philippines where none are recognized.
Malta does not allow abortions and caps them at 11 to a year.
Victor Rodenas
May 17th 2011, 13:18
Of course,cannot be more true.This is because this kind of Divorce is only for the rich,if you can afford to live in another European country for six months and have enough money to hire a lawyer there,then that`s it you will return to Malta divorced and your divorce will be accepted in Catholic Malta.If you are poor,...IKKREPA.
Mr Paul Micallef
May 17th 2011, 13:14
Whether it is 11 or 11,000 is immaterial. I am sure that if it were not so expensive to get a divorce from abroad the average would be much higher. Those who cannot afford it are being disriminated against. They are being denied the possibility to start afresh with a new partner. This is one very strong reason why the option of responsible divorce should be available to those who need it.
Mr Marius Zulgis
May 17th 2011, 13:05
Even if 1 couple per decade were to obtain a divorce overseas, there's still an imbalance which needs to be addressed. The point is that some people CAN whilst others CAN NOT.