PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: New Working Holiday for Youths of Maltese Descent Scheme announced

Deputy Prime Minister Borg opens the 17^th Annual Meeting of the Council for the Maltese Living Abroad

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg announced a new Working Holiday for Youths of Maltese Descent Scheme, facilitating the visa application process for these young persons to visit Malta for work or study, while exploring their Maltese roots.

Launching in January 2026, this initiative will give 18 to 30-year-old youths from the Maltese diaspora an opportunity to reconnect with their families in Malta, while gaining work experience or learning new skills.  

Dr Borg talked about this new scheme in his opening address at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Council for the Maltese Living Abroad, this week. “The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, with the support of other authorities, is encouraging these young ambassadors of Malta and Gozo from across the world to come and learn more about the culture and traditions of our Islands," he explained.

The 17^th Annual Meeting of the Council is the first one being held since the introduction of amendments to the Council for the Maltese Living Abroad Act last year, expanding it to 21 members, for a fairer and more distributed representation.

Dr Borg extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed Council members, encouraging them to share fresh perspectives, and thanked returning members for their invaluable contributions. He also expressed his gratitude for those whose term ended this year, while commending the outgoing secretary, Joseph Xerri, for his long and outstanding service to the Council.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the need for collaboration to ensure the Council's mission is effectively pursued. “The strength of Malta's global presence lies in the bonds we maintain with our diaspora," he added, underscoring the pivotal role of the Council in fostering these connections.

Promoting the Maltese language remains a key priority, with the establishment of 10 libraries in Maltese missions worldwide, serving as cultural and educational hubs. The Ministry also launched an online summer course in Maltese as a Foreign Language, aiming to promote the Maltese language amongst the diaspora.

Looking ahead, Dr Borg highlighted the importance of a dynamic, responsive, and future-focused Council, encouraging members to adopt an outward-looking approach and collaborate on shared challenges faced by Maltese communities globally.

Photos: DOI-MFT