News

Update on entry requirements for Ukrainian citizens entering Malta

Deloitte Malta Tax Alert

3 March 2022

What is the change?

Due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the Malta Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs along with the Ministry for Health, have issued clarifications for asylum seekers fleeing Ukraine.

Prior to these clarifications, set out below, a Ukrainian individual did not require a VISA to enter Malta if the individual was in possession of a biometric passport. However, Ukraine remains on Malta’s Dark Red List of countries for travel purposes, which requires travellers from Ukraine to obtain approval to travel to Malta and to mandatory quarantine for 14 days in a quarantine hotel at a cost, or, in own accommodation, irrespective of vaccine status.

On 1 March, the following changes have been announced:

  • The Government of Malta will be lifting the Ukraine travel ban for those seeking asylum in Malta, in other words, pre-approval to travel to Malta is no longer required, and may quarantine at an alternative accommodation (should this be available);
  • Those individuals without alternative accommodation and nowhere to isolate will still be required to isolate within the quarantine hotel. However, Malta’s Foreign Minister has announced that the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs would cover quarantine costs for asylum seekers.

Furthermore, Malta will also be offering oncology services to Ukrainian nationals fleeing the war.

Next steps

Employers should update their employees who were applying for permission to travel as they should no longer be required to apply.

Formalities around work permits to asylum seekers in Malta remain in place. This is a fluid situation and more updates are expected.

Deloitte’s view

The Maltese government has made this decision in line with other EU countries and in response to the emerging situation in Ukraine.

Deloitte welcomes the humanitarian support and assistance the government is providing to Ukrainian citizens.

If you have employees impacted by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist.

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