PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA Courtesy call with the Council for Maltese Living Abroad

President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono received a courtesy call from the members of the Council for Maltese Living Abroad.

The Council for Maltese Living Abroad was established by means of Act XX of 2011 following the Emigration Conventions that were organised in 1969, 2000 and 2010 which conventions recommended the establishment of a Council composed of representatives of Maltese communities and others with the aim of promoting the rights and interests of Maltese living abroad.

Act XX of 2011 was amended by Act XXIV of 2024 which passed into law on the 12th of July 2024, and put into effect amendments necessary to take care of the evolving situation.

The Council is composed of 15 members, and it is chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs (ex-officio).

Ten of the members are appointed from amongst Maltese nationals who are members of Maltese communities living abroad and they are appointed, for a term of three years, by the Prime Minister.

Another five members who have special knowledge and experience of the needs and interests of Maltese living abroad, are appointed by the Prime Minister for a term of three years, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

The Council for the Maltese Living Abroad convenes once a year in Malta and its members convene in Malta for this annual meeting.

This meeting is characterised by discussions, proposals, recommendations, and decisions which serve as a basis for action by various ministries, department and other entities in order that the aims for which the Council was set up are achieved.

This Council also provides the opportunity to councillors to submit proposals, all throughout the year, present grievances and issues related to the people they represent.