Malta Opens UK Expat-aimed Helplines Dealing With Brexit Concerns

Today, Monday 28th, Malta is launching two Brexit helplines, one for UK expats on the island and the other for Maltese expatriates living in the UK.

The initiative is sponsored by the Maltese government, with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat pledging his commitment to ensuring British nationals living in Malta continue to feel welcome, no matter what the outcome of Brexit. The helpline for Brit expats can be accessed via the servizz.gov website using the freephone number 153, whilst the facility for Maltese expats in the UK is being administrated by the Maltese High Commission at Malta House. The numbers are 020 7292 4800 for those calling during office hours and 078 3650 3990 for after- hours calls.

At present, Malta is home to some 13,000 Britons, 5,000 of whom are actively working. In addition, the island has long been a popular destination for British retirees, mainly attracted to its weather, its long links with the home country and its fascinating history. More than 70,000 Maltese nationals are resident in the UK, with the numbers spanning three generations. 30,000 are first generation immigrants who’ve stayed long-term, married, had families and are now grandparents. As part of a bulkhead against the Brexit threat to the island’s financial industry, the Maltese government has spent the past two years positioning the island as an attractive alternative EU-based address for financial services.

As well as assuring British expats of their post-Brexit rights, Malta is encouraging its own expats to return home, as a number of its commercial sectors are experiencing skills shortages. In addition to the island’s favourable tax regime for expatriates, it’s offering returnees a selection of special incentives and has also reassured UK expats the bilateral UK healthcare agreement will stay in place post-Brexit, thus ensuring the right to medical treatment and specialist interventions continue. The same will apply to Maltese expats living in the UK.