€10,000 Grant To Assist 1st Time Homebuyers Extended

Oct 28 2024

Minister Clyde Caruana explained during the 2025 budget that since 2017, over €52 million has been invested to assist 1,391 families in achieving this goal through various scheme

These include the Deposit Guarantee, Equity Sharing, Social Loan, New Hope, and Sir Sid Darek.

The government aims to enhance these initiatives further, focusing on inclusive and sustainable housing solutions for families.

Notably, the First Time Buyers scheme has been particularly successful, receiving 4,895 applications to date, with an additional 463 expected in the coming days.

First-time buyers will continue to benefit from the Grant on First Residence (GFR) scheme and the ongoing reduction in Stamp Duty.

Moreover, the government will extend the reduction in Stamp Duty for second-time buyers, ensuring that more families have the opportunity to secure their homes.

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€1,000 Grant For Couples Getting Married

Oct 28 2024

In the recently announced Budget 2025, the government revealed important enhancements to the marriage grant and support measures for prospective parents.

The grant provided to couples entering marriage or a civil union will increase by nearly €170, raising the total to €500 for each spouse, or €1,000 collectively. This adjustment is anticipated to benefit around 3,000 individuals annually, assisting couples as they start their new life together.

Additionally, the government introduced measures for prospective parents undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

These parents will receive an extra 100 hours of paid leave for each IVF cycle, with the prospective mother entitled to 60 hours and her partner to 40 hours. Notably, this concession currently does not apply to self-employed individuals, but starting next year, self-employed women and their partners will be eligible for the same benefits, ensuring equitable support for families seeking fertility treatment.

Moreover, paternity leave rights will be extended to self-employed fathers. Currently, employed fathers are entitled to 10 days of paternity leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

The budget will extend this right to self-employed fathers, allowing them 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid leave at the same rate as maternity leave for self-employed women. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing family support and promoting equity.

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FOOTAGE: Parliament Suspended After Moviment Graffitti Budget Protest

Oct 28 2024

Following a protest by Moviment Graffitti during Malta’s 2025 Budget speech, the organization released a statement highlighting their grievances over what they describe as a critical situation in the country’s planning and environmental policies. Graffitti accused the government of being under the sway of powerful developer interests, claiming this influence has led to unchecked environmental degradation and compromised quality of life for Maltese residents.

In a bold statement, Moviment Graffitti declared, “Our country is facing an emergency situation. Powerful interests have seized hold of politics and other institutions…causing a great deal of suffering, and…threatening our future and that of our children.” They cited examples of developments, such as the pools in Qala and apartment complexes in Birżebbuġa, as cases where construction has persisted despite lacking proper permits.

The protest, which led to a suspension of Parliament, has resonated with many concerned citizens, underscoring the urgency felt by activists regarding changes to planning regulations and the call for reform in enforcement practices.

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2 Years Social Security Credits From People Rehabilitating From Drugs

Oct 28 2024

In the 2025 Budget, the government has introduced a new support initiative aimed at assisting individuals who are overcoming drug addiction by offering credited social security contributions.

This program seeks to provide practical help for those reintegrating into society and re-entering the workforce after completing rehabilitation.

Under this measure, individuals who successfully complete rehabilitation and secure stable employment will be eligible to receive two years’ worth of credited social security contributions. This benefit is designed to recognize the challenges that come with overcoming addiction and to support those who are making efforts to rebuild their lives.

By easing the transition back into the workforce, the government aims to encourage individuals to maintain stability in their recovery journey while also building their future economic security.

The initiative reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the need for long-term support structures that assist in preventing relapse and fostering sustained recovery. It marks a significant step toward reducing barriers for those who have worked hard to overcome addiction, giving them a stronger foundation as they re-establish themselves within the community.

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