Malta Urged to Grant Citizenship to Stateless Kids Born and Raised Here

Stateless Kids in Malta: A Call for Citizenship

Imagine growing up in the sun-kissed streets of Birkirkara, attending school in Msida, and playing football in the Msida Bastion Gardens. Now imagine doing all this without a nationality. This is the reality for several children born and raised in Malta, who find themselves stateless due to complex immigration laws.

Statelessness in Malta: A Hidden Issue

Malta, with its rich history and diverse population, is no stranger to immigration. However, the issue of statelessness often goes unnoticed. According to UNHCR, there are around 3,000 stateless people in Malta, many of whom are children born to migrant parents who may not have the means or knowledge to regularize their status.

Statelessness can lead to a lifetime of struggles. These children may face difficulties accessing education, healthcare, and employment. They are often trapped in a legal limbo, unable to claim their rights or access basic services.

The Campaign for Change

Last week, a group of local NGOs, including Aditus Foundation and the Malta Refugee Council, urged the government to grant citizenship to stateless children born and raised in Malta. The campaign, titled ‘I Belong Here’, highlights the plight of these children and calls for a change in the Citizenship Act.

“These children have grown up here, they know no other home,” says Neil Falzon, Executive Director of Aditus Foundation. “It’s time we recognize them as Maltese and give them the rights they deserve.”

The campaign has gained traction on social media, with many Maltese showing their support. A petition has also been launched, calling on the government to amend the Citizenship Act to include a provision for jus nexi – citizenship by birth on Maltese territory.

The Way Forward

The government has acknowledged the issue and has promised to review the Citizenship Act. However, with elections around the corner, how quickly this will happen. Meanwhile, the children affected continue to live in legal uncertainty.

“We can’t keep kicking this can down the road,” says Falzon. “These children deserve a future, and that future should be here, in Malta.”