The council of Maltese living abroad has been set up for the first time with representatives from Maltese communities in different countries.
The setting up of this council was promised by the government during "The Convention of Maltese living abroad", organised in 2010.
The council will be presided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and includes representatives appointed following consultation with Maltese communities from Victoria and New South Wales in Australia, other states in Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom.
The council includes five experienced people who worked with Maltese communities living abroad.
It will represent these communities in meetings with the government and public authorities.
The council will monitor the standard of living of these communities and strengthens the links between them and the political, cultural, economical and social aspects of Malta.
Another function is the protection of these communities' right whilst upholding their cultural and linguistic identity.
It will also promote Malta's immigration history and culture overseas, particular through the Maltese language.
It will advice the government on bills of interest to Maltese living abroad as well as on administrative measures of particular interest to these communities.
It will keep a registry of non-governmental organisations' founded overseas by Maltese communities and a registry of prominent Maltese citizens who may have distinguished themselves in their community.
The members of the first council are: Lawrence Dimech and Gaetano Pace for New South Wales; Maurice Cauchi and Edwin Borg Manché for Victoria; Frank Scicluna for other states in Australia; Larry Zahra and Louis Vella for the United States of America; Joseph Scerri for Canada; Bernard Scerri for the United Kingdom; and Franklin Mamo for Europe.
The five Maltese community experts living abroad, chosen by the Prim Minister after consultation with the Opposition are: Roderic Bovingdon (Australia); Alfred Vella (Migrants Commission); Joseph Muscat (Gozo); Carmen Galea (Canada); and Rosalie Rivett (United Kingdom).
Doris Zammit is council secretary. The council's first meeting will be held this year. The council will meet at least once a year in Malta. Meetings may also be held via video or audio conferencing.
The government said it appreciated the Opposition's cooperation in the selection of the committee members and in supporting the law in Parliament.