Mugliett slams public sector for lack of action

Jesmond Mugliett (PN) speaking in Parliament criticised public employees administrating the Permanent Residence Scheme for not being alert enough to notice abuses which led to the eventual suspension of the scheme.

The loophole was noted after the government had to pay €250,000 in medical expenses to a foreigner benefitting from this scheme.

Furthermore, individuals could have used the scheme for ulterior motives such as obtaining European citizenship.

Mr Mugliett said one had to analyse ways to curb such abuse and not facilitate misuse.

He welcomed the fact that the opposition motion was for a general discussion without a vote because this showed that its main aim was to find a way forward for the scheme to benefit the economy. This scheme had been stopped abruptly and was not replaced.

Even though it was called the permanent resident scheme, the system permitted that foreigners did not actually live in Malta.

This was an issue which should be addressed and not allowed in any new scheme.

The scheme’s abrupt suspension had drawn criticism from the opposition and the construction and property industries. Many individuals had been on the verge of selling property only to be left with a promise of sale which no longer held any water. The scheme’s thresholds were not realistic and the government should look at those set by other countries in direct competition with Malta.

The construction industry employed 12,000 people and it was therefore important that the government did not increase the pressures on it, already burdened by the increased tariffs and fees imposed by Mepa. The crisis in Libya had also had its negative effect on this industry.

Statistics showed that the construction and property industries contributed 3.1 per cent to the economy. Mr Mugliett believed that this was underrated.

No ministry had taken full responsibility for these industries. The Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC), Mepa and Malta Enterprise could all do much more to help these industries. Many believed that the lack of assistance to this industry was aimed controlling property glut.

Creative measures could be taken to help these industries without compromising the economy. The government should instigate research in these industries and create a forum to be able to communicate directly with the people working in this sector.

Mr Mugliett said he hoped that the constructive criticism offered in the debate would lead to an alternative scheme being set up in a timely manner.

He urged the minister to set up the right administrative board to manage and monitor the new scheme.