International Football Teams That Visited Malta This January

Jan 22 2024

This January, Malta saw a number of football teams visiting the island for training camps and matches.

The first two were Manchester United Women and PSV Vrouwen, who competed in a friendly match with a 2-1 victory going to the former.

Meanwhile, Austria Wien, Spartak Trnava, Hradec Kralove and Sigma Olomouc all visited Malta for the TipSport Malta Cup 2024.

SK Sigma Olomouc emerged victorious during the 6th annual edition of the tournament, following a goalless draw with FK Austria Wien at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

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115,449 Maltese Residents Were Foreign During 2021 Census

Jan 22 2024

On Census Day, Malta recorded a notable demographic shift, with over one-fifth of residents being foreign, totaling 115,449 non-Maltese individuals.

This marks a more than fivefold increase from 2011 when non-Maltese residents were 20,289. The majority of foreigners were male (59.3%), with an average age of 34.9 years, significantly younger than the Maltese average of 43.6 years.

About 34.7% of foreigners held EU citizenship. Geographically, 22.4% of Malta’s residents were foreign, slightly lower in Gozo at 19.5%. Specific localities like San Pawl il-Baħar, Tas-Sliema, or Msida had a significantly higher concentration of foreigners, constituting almost one-third of Malta’s foreign population.

Italians comprised the largest non-Maltese group (12%), followed by British citizens (9.2%), Indians (16.2%), and Filipinos (15.8%).

Interestingly, in Gozo, the majority of non-Maltese residents were British (25.8%). Additionally, 18,752 Maltese citizens held a secondary foreign citizenship, with nearly half having British or Australian citizenship (25.3% and 22.9%, respectively). These census findings highlight the increasing diversity and internationalisation of Malta’s population.

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You Can Freely Apply For Tal-Linja Card Till The End Of February

Jan 22 2024

The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works has introduced a February initiative waiving administrative fees for Linja Card applications, allowing individuals to obtain the card free of charge and access public transport services without fees.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy promoting alternative transportation methods.

Since October 2022, Malta has offered free bus services, becoming the second European country with free public transport. The decision significantly increased public transport usage, with a record-breaking 67.3 million passengers in 2023, up from 49.6 million in 2022. This shift has likely reduced reliance on private cars for these journeys.

As of last Monday, the government has implemented complimentary ferry services at the Grand Harbour and free use of the Valletta lift, expecting increased maritime transport and an annual savings of up to €780 for regular users.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett expressed satisfaction with discussions with private operators, emphasizing their autonomy while collectively striving to enhance public transport.

This collaboration resulted in a monthly opportunity for individuals to acquire the Linja Card for free.

Minister Bonett emphasized this as an extra incentive for those without a Linja Card, ensuring eligibility for free bus and ferry services throughout the year. The Ministry urges individuals to take advantage of this opportunity in February before administrative fees are implemented by the private operator.

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Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat Turns 50 Years Old

Jan 22 2024

Former Maltese Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat has turned 50 years old today, Monday 22nd January 2024.

Muscat served as the 13th prime minister of Malta from 2013 to 2020 and Labour Party leader from 2008 to 2020.

Married to Michelle Muscat and father of twins Etoile Ella and Soleil Sophie, Joseph Muscat’s time as Prime Minister was characteristic of major political change.

Associated with socially liberal policies as well as the legalisation of same-sex marriage, he resigned from his position on December 1st 20219 following the 2019 street protests following the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Following his resignation, Muscat was approved as chairman of the Malta Professional Football Clubs Association (MPFCA).

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