Malta issued 33,455 residence permits to foreign nationals in 2024, reflecting a growing demand for skilled workers across various sectors.

This increase in applications relates to the country’s efforts to attract professionals and investors, a trend that is expected to continue into 2025.

The growth in foreign residence permits is a key part of Malta’s strategy to address labour shortages and attract global talent, TravelBiz informs.

Key residency programs contributing to this surge include the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), the Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP), and the Nomad Visa Scheme.

Growing need for skilled foreign workers 

Malta’s economy is seeing increased demand for skilled foreign workers, particularly in industries such as healthcare, construction, transportation, and food service, where there are labour shortages. Foreign professionals with the required skills are more likely to secure employment in Malta, making it an attractive destination for skilled migration.

Local employers are actively seeking workers to fill roles in these industries, creating new opportunities for foreign nationals.

Key residency programs driving the growth 

Malta’s Home Affairs Ministry reports that over 33,400 residence permits were issued in 2024. A large portion of this figure comes from the MPRP, which attracted over 1,500 applicants.

This program generated €46 million for the government’s Consolidated Fund, with €36 million coming from property purchases and €50 million from five-year lease contracts.

The Nomad Residence Permit also saw strong participation, with 1,031 applications. This program continues to draw remote workers who seek a European base with favourable tax policies.

Why Malta Is an attractive option for foreigners 

Several factors make Malta an appealing destination for foreign nationals. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has strong connectivity to both Europe and North Africa.

Additionally, the country offers residency programs like the MPRP and Nomad Visa, which provide pathways to long-term residence with financial incentives.

Malta’s economy continues to grow, with employment opportunities in key sectors. The country’s high quality of life, warm climate, and strong expatriate community also make it an attractive option for foreign workers.

How to apply for a Malta residence permit 

Foreign nationals wishing to relocate to Malta can apply through several different residency programs. These programs cater to different types of applicants, depending on their qualifications and goals.

1. Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): Applicants must either purchase property (minimum €300,000) or sign a rental contract (€10,000 annually). The program also requires a one-time government contribution of €98,000. It is available to non-EU nationals with a stable income and a clean criminal record.
2. Nomad Residence Permit: This permit is designed for remote workers who earn at least €2,700 per month. Applicants must prove employment with a foreign company or be self-employed. The permit is renewable for one year and provides access to Schengen travel benefits.

Malta’s growing popularity as a destination for expatriates, skilled professionals, and digital nomads highlights the country’s commitment to attracting global talent.

The rise in residence permits issued in 2024 demonstrates the demand for foreign workers, particularly in industries facing labour shortages.

As Malta continues to offer opportunities for professionals looking to live and work in a connected European country, it remains one of the sought-after choices for foreign nationals seeking residence options.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohamed Ndarani, has urged the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee to include Edu State in the proposed list of 31 new states.

He argued that the creation of Eduko, otherwise, called Edu State from the present Niger State would give a sense of belonging to the Nupe people in Nigeria.

Ndarani made this statement during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, joining the public discourse on the proposal by the committee.

It was previously reported that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, read the letter from the committee containing the proposal during plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

The proposal seeks to address demands for greater representation, economic viability, and regional balance in governance.

Breakdown of Proposed States   

The letter read in part:

 “The committee proposes the creation of 31 new states. As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation.” 

The proposed states include:   

• North Central: Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State.   
• North East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); and Muri (Taraba).   
• North West: New Kaduna and Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi).   
• South East: Etiti and Orashi (as the 6th state in the South East); Adada (Enugu); Orlu (Imo); and Aba (Abia).   
• South-South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers).   
• South West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ijebu (Ogun); Oke-Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).   

The proposal is expected to undergo a constitutional process before implementation.

According to the letter read by Kalu, the specific requirements for state creation include:

1. A request supported by at least two-thirds of the legislative representatives from the area seeking statehood.
2. A referendum conducted in the affected area, with at least a two-thirds majority in favor.
3. Approval by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly.
4. Endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

Ndarani Reacts   

Reacting to the development,  Ndarani stated that Niger State’s geographical mass is unquestionably larger than that of the entire South East and comparable to that of the South West.

He emphasized its vast land area and abundance of solid minerals.

“The proposed Edu State is a prospective oil-producing state and would be a viable and developed state with Bida as its capital,” he said.

• Ndarani added that Edu State would comprise various groups from the present Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states.
• He urged National Assembly members of Nupe origin from Kwara, Niger, and Kogi states, as well as the FCT, to support the creation of Eduko State.

“The original request for Edu State was presented to the National Assembly in September 2022 by a delegation of Nupe elders, leaders, and representatives from Bida, Agaie, and Lapai emirates.   

 “The request clearly aligns with the provisions of Section 8, Subsections 1, 2, and 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), making it one of the most viable proposals,” he explained.

He argued that state creation has historically brought development closer to the people.

Nigeria has recorded a slight improvement in Transparency International’s (TI) 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 140 out of 180 countries.

This marks a five-place improvement from its position at 145 in 2023.

The country’s score also increased marginally from 25/100 in 2023 to 26/100 in 2024.

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International on Tuesday ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, using data from various reputable sources, including the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.

A score of 100 indicates a corruption-free country, while 0 signifies a highly corrupt system. Nigeria’s historical performance on the index shows an average score of 21.48 points since 1996, with the highest score of 28 recorded in 2016.

Nigeria’s score reached an all-time high of 28.00 points in 2016 and a record low of 6.90 Points in 1996, according to Transparency International.