The Nationalist Party said this afternoon that the Global Residence Programme announced by the government on Saturday would enable non-EU residents to gain a Maltese residence permit and its associated benefits while paying far less than they would have under the old permanent residence scheme.
The party noted that the programme is meant to encourage the purchase of high value property.
"Whilst the Nationalist Party favours the introduction of such programmes, which are primarily intended to support the property market, it expresses concern that the new scheme does not appear to have the necessary safeguards to mitigate the risks associated with the old Permanent Residency Scheme which the previous Government had to revise because of its abuse and actual cost to the Maltese tax payer," the party said.
"As the Government’s Press Statement issued to launch the scheme specified, individuals who will buy a property in Malta over a certain value and pay a minimum amount of tax will be given a residence permit. It should be noted that both thresholds have been reduced from the revised scheme meaning that they will contribute even less for these benefits.
"Having a Residence Permit will entitle non EU Nationals for free health care, free education including University tuition (plus stipend) and other benefits that ordinary Maltese citizens have contributed for from their taxes. The scheme that was issued by the previous administration in replacement of the old Permanent Residence Scheme sought to provide a solution to this problem while still attracting truly high net worth individuals, who would really be able to generate wealth and economic activity on our shores," the PN said.
It said further subsidiary legislation still needed to be issued and it hoped that this would address the ordinary taxpayers' concerns.
"The Opposition hopes to be consulted by the Government before introducing the relative subsidiary legislation to ensure that the genuine concerns expressed will be mitigated in the best interest of all."