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Government considering ending golden passport schemes

Government considering ending golden passport schemes
Apr 17 2022 Share

The government is seeking the eventual phasing out of the cash-for-passports scheme as international pressure to scrap it continues to grow.

Sources informed Times of Malta that Prime Minister Robert Abela is considering putting a stop to the programme. This is because he was presented with an assortment of options to phase it out.

The Prime Minister could halt the programme outright, set a cut-off date within the next few years or even rework the scheme for the second time. 

Profits from the programme, which targeted high net worth elite seeking easy and uninhibited access to the EU, went noticeably down. Professionals claimed that interest in the Maltese offering is on a steady decline, despite it having generated more than €800 million for Malta between 2014 and 2020. 

Speaking to Times of Malta, agents said that sales are as lower as 40% when compared to two years ago. The invasion of Ukraine has made matters worse, as it lead to the suspension of Russian and Belarusian access. These made up around 30% of applicants in recent years. 

The scheme has not been a stranger to controversy, as even Brussels believed that Malta was violating EU law by selling passports that allow the unrestricted access to the union. One source told Times of Malta that the government has already signalled to the European Commission that it is open to phasing out the scheme. 

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Liverpool beat Manchester City to pass to FA Cup Final

Apr 16 2022 Share

Liverpool have qualified to the FA Cup final, beating title rivals Manchester City in a dramatic game which ended 3-2 to the Reds. They will now face one of Chelsea or Crystal Palace making it a Liverpool versus London final.

The first half was easily dominated by Liverpool, with the Red’s intensity and high pressing disrupting Manchester City’s flow. The first goal of the game came early on in the 9th minute from a corner which resulted in another Ibrahima Konate headed goal. This goal further motivated the Liverpool team and further demotivated the City team. This showed when in the 17th minute Manchester City reserve keeper Zack Steffen took to long to pass the ball and conceded a goal from a well timed tackle made by Sadio Mane. As the first half was coming to an end Sadio Mane managed to convert a beautiful volley into the low near corner to kill off the game before the second half even started.

In contrast the second half started very well for Manchester City. Playmaker Jack Grealish scored a well played goal in the 46th minute to restore hope for the City faithful. To everyone’s surprise Manchester City didn’t do much after their goal with the game still being dominated by the reds. Nearing the end of the game in the 91st minute, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva managed to score a rebound from a Mahrez chance to liven up the last few minutes of the game. Liverpool managed to hold on to a narrow 3-2 win to qualify for their first FA Cup final since 2012.

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WATCH: Standstill traffic near Naxxar roundabout after road incident

Apr 16 2022 Share

AVOID: Malta Daily is informed of heavy traffic near the Naxxar roundabout after multiple vehicles were involved in a traffic incident.

 

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A video of the area shows standstill traffic as those involved await further instruction from local authorities. It is, as of yet, unknown whether there were any injuries.

More on this story as it develops.

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Kalkara offices converted into housing for 10 Ukrainian families seeking refuge

Kalkara offices converted into housing for 10 Ukrainian families seeking refuge
Apr 16 2022 Share

A block of Kenup & EDU office units in Kalkara have been transformed into a housing estate for 10 Ukrainian families seeking refuge after fleeing from their war-torn home country.

In a statement published by the Malta Council for Science and Technology, it was revealed that the workers were asked to work from home, with beds, wardrobes and other necessities replacing their desks and chairs as to offer refuge to the Ukrainian families.

The families will be able to stay as long as necessary and will not need to pay for accommodation and certain services, including regular meals from EsploraCafé.

MCST Executive Chairman and Kenup Director Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando stated that seeing the Ukrainian guests settled in and happy in spite of such circumstances offers courage, going on to thank anyone who contributed to such an initiative.

EDU Chief Operating Officer Alexandra Cosma stated that in an institution such as the EDU, it is important to recognise the mission to provide quality medical education and efforts must go beyond office hours to aid those in need.

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