LitusGo Local Information Database: Malta (English)

1.1 Fauna

The wildlife in Malta is very low diversity. So there are at Malta no dangerous or poisonous land animals. The only dangerous animals include sharks in the Mediterranean. So also were already white sharks from Malta spotted. But this is rather an exception. The typical species of Malta include hedgehogs, weasels, mice, rats, bats, rabbits, lizards, wall geckos, chameleons and nonpoisonous snakes . The on Malta native bird species are lark, thrush and Blue Merle, who is also the national bird of Malta , as well as in the spring and fall migratory birds passing through. Most birds , however, due to the Malta very popular bird hunting an endangered species. The bird hunting has over time developed into a national pastime.
In addition to the wildlife there on Malta and farm animals such as cows, sheep and goats.

1.2 Flora

1.3 Coastal water quality

Malta last year had the cleanest bathing waters in the EU after Cyprus and has been dubbed a “star” by the European Commission for its improvement in trying to keep its seas in a pristine state.

The island is reaping the fruits of a multi-million euro investment, supported by EU funds, to construct three sewage treatment plants, which has helped it improve its coastal waters by leaps and bounds.

Every single one of the 87 bathing sites tested not only reached minimum EU standards but 95 per cent of them have been given top marks and rated “excellent”, according to the latest bathing water report issued by the Commission in Brussels yesterday.

Only four bathing areas fell short of that mark, with three considered “good quality” and just one, the area next to Xagħjra’s sewage pumping station, considered to be of “sufficient” quality. However, the Xagħjra area is expected to improve this year as a new sewage treatment plant, the largest one of the three constructed, was opened at the end of last year.

Only seven years ago, on EU accession, half Malta’s bathing sites did not meet the required standards.

“Malta has made huge progress in this area since its accession to the EU and this augurs well for Malta’s tourist industry,” an EU official told The Times yesterday.

“Malta has the second cleanest bathing waters in the EU and has even managed to surpass Greece – considered top notch in this area,” the official remarked.

In 2009 Malta had already managed to impress the Commission by the rapid progress made in the quality of its bathing waters. By that year it had managed to reach a 93 per cent “excellent quality” mark.

According to the latest report, Malta continued to better the quality of its waters in 2010 by transforming two other bathing sites from “good” to “excellent”.

According to an EU directive, member states are bound to examine the quality of their coastal bathing waters on a regular basis particularly on a number of criteria including health hazards.

The Commission’s report shows a slight decline in the quality of the EU’s bathing waters although overall quality was still high. More than 90 per cent of bathing water sites met the minimum requirements.

In Cyprus, 100 per cent of its bathing water sites meet the highest standards. After Malta, Greece achieved 94 per cent and Ireland 90 per cent.

This year the Commission has also adopted new signs and ­symbols that will be used to inform the public on bathing water classification and on bathing restrictions.

1.4 Nature protection areas

Legal instruments under which protected areas have been designated include:

• national legislation
  • mostly include Government Notices and Legal Notices issued under the auspices of the Development Planning Act (DPA) and the Environment Protection Act (EPA)
• multilateral agreements
  • including Bern Convention, EC Birds Directive, EC Habitats Directive, Ramsar Convention, Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA & Biodiversity Protocol)

The following table lists the major designations of protected areas in Malta:

As at end of 2008, the Maltese Islands had over 20% of its land area protected, at least under one of the above-listed designations. Work is being considered to especially enhance the network of marine protected areas, 2 having been designated to date – 1 in 2005 and 1 in 2007.

A complete list of the important natural areas afforded protection, specifically under national legislation, in view of the habitats and/or species present, is available through the Common Database on Designated Areas (CDDA).

The management of protected areas is of utmost importance. MEPA has enhanced capacity-building in this respect in later years, with assessment, management and enforcement being constantly considered. Indeed, MEPA is continuously involved in projects aimed at the establishment of protected areas, as well as the drafting and implementation of management plans. A project has been proposed for funding (EAFRD 2007-2013) under the Rural Development Programme for Malta, with the aim of developing management plans for the Natura 2000 sites designated to date.

Through the years, MEPA has received technical support related to protected areas, especially through participation in externally funded projects. Amongst these were:

• EC ERDF project on the Filfla candidate marine protected area
• EC LIFE Third Countries project on the Dwejra Special Area of Conservation
• EC Interreg IIIC MedPAN project on a network of marine protected areas
• EC Interreg IIIC Parks Network Project on a network of terrestrial protected areas
• EC SMAP MedMPA project coordinated by RAC/SPA
• EC Transition Facility Funds Natura 2000 Twinning Project with Austria and Italy
• Mission on the Marine Protected Area Strategy and designation of Special Area of Conservation

Other sections related to Important Natural Areas
Protected Areas – National
Protected Areas – International
Natura 2000
Site Management 

Links for further information
Projects (related to biodiversity / nature protection)
Common Database on Designated Areas (CDDA)

2.1 Geology of the area

The geology of the Maltese Islands is relatively young when considered within a geological time frame, with the oldest rock dating back only to the Tertiary period. The Islands are for the most part composed of marine sedimentary rocks. Although the sedimentary platform on which the Maltese Islands are situated was formed during the Triassic, there are no surface outcrops of this age. All exposed rocks were deposited during the Oligocene and Miocene periods of geological time dating back to some 30 to 35 million years ago. The most recent deposits are the quaternary deposits which are found in minor quantities and are of terrestrial origin. The resultant rock formations are relatively simple consisting of five basic layers laid on top of the other in a layer-cake sequence:

 Lower Coralline Limestone is the oldest exposed rock in the Maltese Islands, outcropping to a height of 140m in the vertical cliffs near Xlendi, Gozo. It is mainly composed of the tests of coralline algae indicating deposition in a shallow gulf environment.  Younger beds show evidence of deposition in more open marine conditions.

Globigerina Limestone is the second oldest rock and outcrops over approximately 70% of the area of the islands, eroding to give a broad, gently rolling landscape.  Variations in the thickness of this formation are considerable, ranging from 23m near Fort Chambray, Gozo to 207m around Marsaxlokk, Malta.   This rock consists of yellow to pale-grey limestones comprising tests of planktonic globigerinid foraminifera.  The formation is divided into Lower, Middle and Upper Globigerina Limestone by two beds of phosphorite pebbles.

Blue Clay overlies the Globigerina Limestone formation.  It erodes easily when wet and forms taluses which flow out over the underlying rock. Variations in thickness are considerable ranging from 75m at Xaghra, Gozo to nil in eastern Malta, where Upper Coralline Limestone rests directly on Globigerina Limestone.  Deposition of the Blue Clay may have occurred in an open muddy water environment with water depths up to 150m for the lower part of the formation.

Greensand consists of bioclastic limestones rich in glauconite deposited in a warm sea. Unweathered sections are green but are oxidised to an orange colour when exposed.  The deposit attains a maximum thickness of 11m in localised depressions at Il-Gelmus in Gozo, but elsewhere is less than 1m thick.

Upper Coralline Limestone is the youngest Tertiary formation in the islands reaching a thickness of approximately 160m in the Bingemma area, Malta. Local tectonic activity appears to have resulted in the brief emergence of the formation above the sea.  The strata are very similar to the lowest stratum in the Maltese Islands. It is also named because of the abundance of the fossil algae species Coralline.  It resembles the Lower Coralline Limestone both on chemical and palaeontological grounds, indicating deposition in shallow waters.  The transition from the underlying greensands is gradual, sometimes merging into red and black granular sandstone; or red and white coralline rich limestone, which passes into a white calcareous sandstone-compact, soft or porous but always rich in organic remains. Though some layers are completely crystalline and have lost traces of the organisms from which they originated, other portions are highly fossiliferous containing casts of shells and other organisms.

These rocks are sporadically overlain by terrestrial, aeolian and alluvial deposits laid down following the emergence of the Maltese Islands above sea level.   Much of the central and south-eastern portion of the Maltese comprises outcrops of Globigerina Limestone while the northern and north-western regions are characterised by highlands on which upper coralline limestone is the dominant outcrop. The geology of Gozo is more varied than that of Malta, with more frequent outcrops of Blue Clay being a characteristic feature.

2.2 Coastal morphology – erosion trends

Geomorphology across the Maltese Islands

The resultant geological rock strata of these marls and limestones have a marked effect on the coastal morphology giving the coast a diverse range of characteristic features.

Rifting in the vicinity of the Maltese Islands has resulted in alternate uplifting of various regions of the Maltese Islands. This has given the archipelago a tilt towards the north-east thus creating two main types of coasts. The low indented shoreline of the north east is contrasted with the sheer, rectilinear coasts of south west Malta. Here the highest point (253m) on the islands can be found at Dingli cliffs in south western Malta; while the eastern coastlines are drowned. This tilt of the archipelago is also responsible for the predominant north-eastern trend of drainage channels on Malta, Paskoff (1985).

Malta is crossed by two main fault systems representing the effects of two separate rifting episodes in the vicinity of the archipelago. The older of the two, the Great Fault, trends SW to NE, while the Maghlaq Fault system trends approximately NW to SE along the southern coast of the island and has been responsible for the down throw of Filfla to sea level. A system of horst and graben structures of east-northeast trend gives rise to a series of rifts and valleys north of the Great Fault. No well-defined horst and graben systems occur south of the Great fault. Several circular subsidence structures are distributed throughout the islands. The origins of these structures are various, but are mainly associated with solution of limestone by percolating acidified ground water leading to roof collapse of subterranean or submarine caverns.

Trenhaile (1987), Paskoff (1985) and Pedley et al (2002) mention various types of karstic landforms that give the relatively short coastline of the Islands a variety of geomorphic features. The presence of partially or totally submerged karst caves influences the development of coastal scenery around the islands. Paskoff and Trenhaile (1987) mention semicircular coves or circular subsidence structures (see opposite figure) that are distributed throughout the islands. The origins of these structures are various, but are mainly associated with solution of limestone by percolating acidified ground water leading to roof collapse of subterranean or submarine caverns. Wave action during storms can also provoke roof collapse hence forming such coves. These are evident in the southern coast of Malta. The many inlets found are partially drowned valleys of subaerial erosion. Calanques mentioned by Paskoff (1985) are ‘coastal inlets which can be of a gorge-like’ nature. According to Paskoff and Sanlaville (1978) these calanques are fault controlled.

Cliffs of two types can be found along the Maltese archipelago. Vertical plunging cliffs are formed from Lower Coralline limestone and Upper Coralline Limestone. These lack shore platforms at their feet due to the absence of mass movement processes and are probably tectonic in origin (Magri, 2002 and Paskoff, 1985). The rdum or coastal scree cliffs occur when marls of Blue Clay formations are overlaid by upper coralline limestone. The unconsolidated Blue Clay are easily eroded by wave action. After torrential rains water percolates through the overlying limestone fissures resulting in the saturation of the clay. This causes the clay to become plastic and mudslides may occur. The Upper Coralline Limestone on top is undercut and rock falls also occur. A gradual cliff retreat occurs as a result of this. The rdum cliffs are common in the north western side of Malta due to the extensive Upper Coralline Limestone plateau found (Magri, 2002).

The north-east side of Malta and north of Gozo are lacking in cliff formations. The coasts here are more stable as the geological structure is mainly composed of Globigerina Limestone and Lower Coralline Limestone. Long tracts of low, rocky coastlines of corrosion are found instead. Pools and Lapis characterise this landscape of low lying rocky shoreline. The platforms are jagged especially when cut in Coralline Limestone. Paskoff (1985) mentions the two most significant weathering processes, chemical and biological, that prevail in the area. The physical process of abrasion seems to be mostly absent.

Several coastal platforms rising to different levels are found on this type of coast. Platforms in northern Gozo form where Globigerina limestone crops out. Large boulders dislodged by storm waves can be seen scattered on platforms only on exposed coasts. Notches are also found. Beach formation is restricted to the northern shores of the Malta. The lack of beaches means concentrated tourism threats to the rare ecosystems found on the pocket beaches of the Islands.

Quaternary age deposits lie upon the Upper Coralline Limestone surface. This dips down to the North of the Comino graben. Such deposits represent relic landforms and old beach deposits that contain shells of land snails and also the characteristic irregular shapes that are formed by hardened sediment around the roots of various plants. The original root structure is no longer preserved.

The above information has been compiled by the Euro-Mediterranean Water Information System (EMWIS)

2.3 Winds and waves

In Malta winds are strong and frequent; the most common are the cool northwesterly (majjistral), the dry northeasterly (grigal, or gregale), and the hot humid southeasterly (xlokk, or sirocco).

Sometimes it gets rather windy for up to 3 days with strong gale force winds blowing either from the northwest (Malta\’s most common wind) or from the northeast bringing days of miserable stormy weather.

However, daytime temperatures in summer are usually mitigated by cooling sea breezes, especially along the coast, but in spring and autumn a very hot and dry wind from Africa occasionally brings unpleasantly high temperatures. This wind is called the sirocco, which also affects Italy and Greece, but in Malta it is usually rather drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

3.1 Demographic description

The following demographic statistics are from the CIA World Factbook, unless otherwise indicated.

Population: 400,214 (2006 est.)

Largest Cities:

• Birkirkara
• Mosta
• Qormi
• Żabbar
• San Pawl il-Baħar
• Sliema
• San Ġwann
• Rabat
• Żejtun
• Naxxar

Age structure:
0-14 years: 17.1% (male 35,264; female 33,368)
15-64 years: 69.1% (male 139,890; female 136,767)
65 years and over: 13.7% (male 23,554; female 31,371) (2006 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.42% (2006 est.)

Birth rate: 10.22 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate: 8.1 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate: 2.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 3.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 79.01 years
male: 76.83 years
female: 81.31 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Maltese (singular and plural)
adjective: Maltese

Ethnic groups:^[2]

• Maltese – 95.3%
• British – 1.6%
• Others – 3.1%

Religions: Roman Catholic 98%

Languages: Maltese (official), English (official)

Literacy:
definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 92.8%
male: 92%
female: 93.6% (2003 est.)

Malta is the most densely populated country in the EU and one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with about 1,265 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,000 per square mile). This compares with about 32 per square kilometre (85 per square mile) for the United States. A census (held every 10 years) was held in November 2005.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Malta was first colonized by Sicilians. Subsequently, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs in 870 CE ^[1], Normans, Spanish, French and the British have influenced Maltese life and culture to varying degrees. Most of the foreign community in Malta, predominantly active or retired British nationals and their dependents, is centred on Sliema and surrounding modern suburbs. Other smaller foreign groups include Italians, French, and Lebanese, many of whom have assimilated into the Maltese nation over the decades.

Malta has seen emigration of a large portion of their people to live elsewhere, and Maltese communities exist throughout Europe (esp. Maltese laborers who relocated in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Greece and the United Kingdom), while larger Maltese immigrant communities are in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Gibraltar, the United States and to a smaller extant, Puerto Rico.

Roman Catholicism is established by law as the religion of Malta with 98%; however, full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship is guaranteed, and a number of faiths have places of worship on the island (extremely small sects, a combined total of 2% of the people are Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Muslims and Jews).

Malta has two official languages–Maltese (a Semitic language derived from Siculo-Arabic and heavily influenced by Sicilian and Italian), and English. Both languages are compulsory subjects in Maltese primary and secondary schools. A large portion of the population is also fluent in Italian, which was, until 1936, the national language of Malta. The literacy rate has reached 93%, compared to 63% in 1946. Schooling is compulsory until age 16.

3.2 Human activities – employment

Kinds of employment

Young Workers

A young worker is a person who has reached 16 years of age and is less than eighteen years of age. Only people over the age of 16 can enter employment. The most common employment contracts are full-time contracts with an indefinite period, sometimes called a permanent contract. However fixed term, temporary employment contracts are becoming more and more common in Malta. Latest trends in the employment market show that fixed term contracts are becoming more common in both higher managerial grades and in skilled labour for project contracts.

It is possible for an employer to offer several fixed term contracts in succession but there has to be an acceptable explanation for this. The full adoption of European directives implies that after a certain number of years (according to the Maltese law, it shall not exceed 4 years) the temporary employment contract has to be converted to a fixed employment contract and therefore the employee would be engaged on a permanent basis.

A trial period can be agreed upon at the beginning of the employment relationship. The trial period can be six months at the maximum which can go up to one year for high profile jobs. During the trial period either party can cancel the employment contract without giving notice during the first month. Subsequently one week’s notice has to be given during the trial period.

In Malta the trend to hire temporary staff from specialised agencies is on the increase. These services are used in the low skills areas, but are less popular in the professional sector. Staff renting agencies are allowed to charge expenses from the client to cover tax, national insurance, indemnity and labour costs.

When the employee is in part-time employment on a variable time schedule, the weekly number of hours of work shall be the weekly average number of hours of work spread over successive thirteen-week periods commencing on the first of January of each calendar year.

Young Persons (Employment) Regulations: Chapter 452, Employment and Industrial Relations Act
URL: http://www.justice.gov.mt

Conclusion of employment contracts

Employment in Malta always involves an employment contract, whether tacit or implicit, whereby the employee agrees to perform specified work for an employer in return for agreed wages and a written statement showing the conditions of employment shall be given to the employee not later than 8 days after engagement.

Employment may be for a fixed term or for an indefinite term and on a full time or part time basis. Whichever type of employment you are engaged in, check carefully the terms and conditions of employment so that you understand your rights and obligations. The employer will be able to supply a copy of contracts of employment agreements in English and/or in in Maltese.

The frequency of payments varies by the nature of the job. You are likely to be paid by cheque or directly into a bank account.

A trial period, usually called the probation period is typically agreed upon at the beginning of the employment. The length of the trial period is normally of six months unless otherwise agreed by both parties for a shorter probation period, or a longer period for high profile jobs/managerial jobs.

During the probationary period the employment may be terminated at will by either party without assigning any reason: provided that a week’s notice of the termination of employment shall be given to the other party in the case of an employee who has been in the employment with the same employer continuously for more than one month.

If an employee’s employment is terminated on grounds of redundancy, the person will be entitled to re-employment if the post he formerly occupied is again available within a period of one year from the date of termination of employment.

When an employer intends to terminate the employment of an employee on grounds of redundancy, he shall terminate the employment on the grounds of last in first out.

Temporary and fixed term employment contracts expire when the specified period ends without a notice of termination being given.

Any employee on a fixed term contract of service whose contract has expired and is retained by his employer shall be assumed to be retained on an indefinite period contract if the said employee is not given a new contract of service within the first twelve working days following the expiry of the previous contract.

The most common employment contracts are full-time contracts with an indefinite period, sometimes called a permanent contract. However fixed term, temporary employment contracts are becoming more and more common in Malta. Latest trends in the employment market show that fixed term contracts are becoming more common in both higher managerial grades and in skilled labour for project contracts.

It is possible for an employer to offer several fixed term contracts in succession but there has to be an acceptable explanation for this. In the absence of such justification, a fixed term employment contract automatically becomes an indefinite employment contract after four years in continuous employment on one or more fixed term contracts and therefore the employee would be engaged on a permanent basis.

In Malta the trend to hire temporary staff from specialised agencies is on the increase. These services are used in the low skills areas, but are less popular in the professional sector. No fees are to be charged to applications for employment and no arrangement may be made for deducting any fees from earnings due to them..

When the employee is in part-time employment on a variable time schedule, the weekly number of hours of work shall be the weekly average number of hours of work spread over successive thirteen-week periods commencing on the first of January of each calendar year

Amendments of employment contracts

Whilst in employment, contracts of employment may be supplemented by additional terms such as instructions regarding working time, employees’ conduct, bonus, and internal rules among other conditions.

Updates and additions to contracts of employment vary from company to company. Some organisations do not add revisions, or they may be covered directly by a non-exclusive clause in the employment contract allowing the employer full flexibility of directives.

In the government sector, the law requires a schedule of revisions of regulations. The updates contain provisions on health protection and accident prevention and on staff conduct and order within the organisation.

If, after the commencement of employment, the details or the conditions of employment listed in regulations 4, or 5 of the Legal Notice 431 of 2002 are amended or modified, the employer shall be bound to notify the employee of the changes by means of a signed statement which must be delivered to the employee by not later than eight working days from the date when the changes come into effect.

The employer shall not be obliged to notify the employee in accordance with sub regulation (1) of the Legal Notice 431 of 2002, if the amendment or modification of the conditions of employment is the result of a change in laws, regulations or a collective agreement regulating the place of work.

Maltese employment law states that any employee on a fixed term contract of service whose contract has expired and is retained by his employer shall be deemed to have been retained on an indefinite period contract if the said employee is not given a new contract of service within the first twelve working days following the expiry of the previous contract.

National Employment Authority

Block C, Beltissebħ
Floriana FRN1700
Telephone: (+ 356) 2590 3875
Fax: (+ 356) 2590 3876

Legal Notices web site at the Department of Information: http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/legalnotices

Laws of Malta: http://www.justice.gov.mt/lom

Special categories

Young Workers

Young workers benefit from reduced maximum time limits, shorter than those for older workers. They must not work more than 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week (average 48 hours weekly maximum for older workers).

Any time spent on training by a young person working under a theoretical and, or practical combined work, training scheme or an in-plant work experience scheme shall be counted as working time.

Where a young person is employed by more than one employer, working days and working time shall be cumulative and shall not exceed the working days and working times established by these regulations.

It shall be the duty of the employer to ascertain whether a young person is performing work for another employer and to ascertain the working time in any other employment.

If a young person has more than one employment, it shall also be the duty of the adolescent to inform the employer of the hours of work carried out for another employer.

An employer shall not permit a young person to carry out any form of work on any day on which that young person has done any form of work for any other employer, unless the aggregate working time with more than one employer on that day does not exceed the total time for which such a young person may lawfully work for one employer on that day according to these regulations.

No adolescent shall perform work between 10 p.m. on any one day and 6 a.m. of the following day.

Disabled Workers

The rights of workers with disability are protected by the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act of 2000. The Act prohibits employers from discriminating against workers with disability.

An independent organisation, the National Commission for Persons with Disability, works to eliminate discrimination against disabled people. It provides advice, information and support to disabled people and their families.

National Commission for Persons with Disability: http://www.knpd.org

Young Persons (Employment) Regulations: 452.92

Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act: 413

Registration and Appeal of Persons with Disability Regulations: 210.01

Standard Percentage of Employment of Persons with Disability Order: 210.02

Designated Employment of Persons with Disability Order: 210.03

Part-time Employment of Persons with Disability Regulations: 210.04

URL: http://www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

Self-employment

Starting a self-employed activity in Malta is straight forward and involves the following steps:

1.       Register with the Employment and Training Corporation by sending the engagement form for both the employer and his/her employees. These forms can be obtained from the ETC offices or downloaded from the ETC website[1].

2.       Registering with the Inland Revenue Department as self-employed through its customer office or through its website[2].

3.       Register with the Value Added Tax Department personally or through its website[3].

4.       Apply for a Trade Licence with the Trade Department. If the business involves import or export, an Import or Export licence is required as well.

Apart from these, one might also need to contact one of the local banks . Branches of are found in almost all localities around Malta and Gozo. Two other entities which might be useful are the Malta Environment and Planning Authority[4] (MEPA) and the Malta Enterprise[5].

MEPA issues all sorts of planning and development permits. These can vary from “change of use” for existing premises to completely fresh permits for new sites. These permits take into account various factors ranging from parking facilities to environmental issues.

The Malta Enterprise is the government’s agency focused on attracting inward investment and supporting enterprise in Malta. It can guide prospective self-employed with all their queries

Employment & Training Corporation (ETC) Head Office
Ħal Far BBG3000,
Malta
Telephone: 21 654 940
E-mail: etc@gov.mt

ETC Gozo Office
Imġarr Rd,
Xewkija, Gozo
Telephone: 21 561 513 / 21 562 529
Fax: 21 560 697

ETC Job Centres
Zachary Street, Valletta
St Anne Street, Mosta
Aċċess Complex, St Edward Street, Vittoriosa
Local Council, Tumas Fenech Street, Birkirkara
Aċċess Complex, Frejgatina Street, Qawra
St Francis Square, Victoria (Gozo)

Inland Revenue Customer Care Section

Block 4

Inland Revenue Department

Floriana

Telephone: 22962296, 22962485/6/78, 22942494

Fax No: 21441188

VAT Department Malta Office

16, Centre Point Building

Triq ta\’ Paris

Birkirkara CMR 02

Telephone: 21499330-4/6

URL: http://www.vat.gov.mt

Customer Helpline: 80074404

E-Mail: vat@gov.mt

VAT Department Gozo Office

Triq Enrico Mizzi

Victoria VCT 10

Telephone: 21560481

Fax No: 21460482

Commerce Division

Lascaris

Valletta VLT2000
Malta

Telephone: 212337112, 25690209

Fax No: 21240516

Malta Environment and Planning Authority

St. Francis Ravelin

Floriana

Malta

Telephone: 2290 0000

URL: http://www.mepa.org.mt
Email: enquires@mepa.org.mt

Malta Enterprise

Malta Enterprise Centre
Industrial Estate
San Gwann SGN3000

Malta

Telephone: +356 2542 0000

Fax No: +356 2542 3401

E-mail: info@maltaenterprise.com

Malta Enterprise – Gozo Office
Xewkija Industrial Estate
Xewkija XWK3000
Gozo
Malta
Telephone: 2156 4700
Fax No: 2156 4825
E-Mail: gozo.office@maltaenterprise.com, info@investingozo.com

Remuneration

All employees receive annual pay increases linked to the cost of living. Employees on the minimum wage are also entitled to additional bonuses. Hourly, daily wages and piece rates are paid at least twice a month. Salaries are paid at least once a month.

According to Legal Notice 378 of 2009, Malta’s national minimum wage for 2011 is

• €153.45 for employees aged 18 years and over
• €146.67 for employees aged 17 years
• €143.83 for employees aged under 17 years

It is worth noting that although a minimum wage is stipulated, most wages are paid above this rate.

The minimum employment remuneration for various sectors is governed by the Government’s Wages Councils or through collective agreements specific to the various industries. These legally binding agreements are applied uniformly to Maltese and foreign workers. Collective agreements sometimes guarantee special conditions and privileges in certain industries. Extra wages are paid for national holidays and Sunday work and for overtime, except for grades earning high wages, usually associated with managerial grades.

Employees can also get extra reimbursement in the form of a company vehicle, lodging, communication expenses, and health insurance. High end benefits such as company cars are considered as taxable income and are thus set a taxable value by the tax authorities.

National Employment Authority

Block C, Beltissebħ,
Floriana
Telephone: 25903875
Fax No: 25903876

Inland Revenue Customer Care Section

Block 4
Inland Revenue Department
Floriana
Telephone: 22962485/6/7/8, 22962494
Fax No: 21441188

Employment and Industrial Relations Act

Wages Councils Orders Chapter 452: http://www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

Legal Notices web site

Department of Information: http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/legalnotices

Working time

Weekly working time

The weekly working time in Maltese companies and organisations is 40 hours per week.

According to Maltese law, maximum weekly working time for all types of employment sectors is 48 hours (i.e. 40 hours work time and 8 hours overtime), including overtime, which must be paid extra. No employer can oblige a worker to work more than an average of 48 hours a week unless he has first obtained the worker’s written agreement to perform work in excess of the 48 hour average.

Actual working hours vary by sector and are governed by collective agreements and by the Government Wages Councils, specific to each industry.

 Organisation of working time

The organisation of working time is a prerogative of the employing organisation within the limits of the relevant statutory requirements (rest periods, breaks, leave, and night time).

According to legislation 452.87 on the Organisation of Working Time promulgated in April 2004, the following rules apply to all sectors:

– Every worker is entitled to a minimum daily rest period of eleven consecutive hours per twenty four hour period during which the worker performs work for his employer.

– Every worker is entitled to a rest break when the working day is longer than six hours.

– Every worker is entitled to a minimum uninterrupted weekly rest period of twenty-four hours, in addition to the daily rest period of eleven hours for each seven-day period during which the worker works for the employer

– Every worker is entitled to paid annual leave of at least the equivalent in hours of four weeks and four working days calculated on the basis of a forty-hour working week, and an eight hour working day and out of this paid annual leave entitlement, a minimum period equivalent to four weeks may not be replaced by an allowance in lieu.

– A night worker’s normal hours of work should not exceed an average of eight hours in any twenty four hour period. The employer shall ensure that no night worker whose work involves special hazards or heavy physical or mental strain shall work more than eight hours in any period of twenty-four hours during which night work is performed.

Overtime

Overtime, defined as working hours over and above the normal working time, must not on average exceed the maximum working time laid down by employment law which is of an average of 48 hours per week, unless the employee voluntarily consents to work for longer periods.

National Employment Authority

Block C, Beltissebħ,
Floriana
Telephone: 25903875

Fax No: 25903876

Employment and Industrial Relations Act

Wages Councils Orders Chapter 452: http://www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

Leave (annual leave, parental leave etc)

Annual leave

Employees in full-time employment on a 40 hour week are entitled to 192 hours of vacation leave per year. Vacation leave can be utilised as agreed with the employer.

National and Public Holidays amount to another 14 days. The following is the list of yearly national and public holidays:

1 January – New Year\’s Day

10 February – Feast of St Paul\’s Shipwreck

19 March – Feast of St Joseph

31 March – Freedom Day

Good Friday

 (Easter is neither a Public Holiday nor a National Holiday)

1 May – Worker\’s Day

7 June – Sette Giugno

29 June – Feast of St Peter and St Paul

15 August – \’Santa Maria\’ Feast of the Assumption

8 September – Victory Day

21 September – Independence Day

8 December – Feast of the Immaculate Conception

13 December – Republic Day

25 December – Christmas Day

No extra day(s) in lieu is given for those National or Public Holiday(s) falling on Saturdays or Sundays.

Part-time employees, whose part-time employment is their principal employment, shall be entitled pro rata to –

(a) The minimum entitlement of all public holidays and annual vacation leave, sick leave, birth leave, bereavement leave, marriage leave and injury leave applicable in terms of the recognized conditions of employment and to such other leave established by virtue of the Act.

(b) Any entitlement to statutory bonuses and other income supplements to which comparable whole-time employees on similar duties with the same employer are entitled in terms of the recognized conditions of employment applicable to them.

Maternity Leave

An employee may apply for maternity leave for an uninterrupted period of fourteen weeks. She has to notify the employer at least four weeks before the maternity leave begins, in so far as is reasonably practicable.

Maternity leave is availed of as follows:

(a) six weeks of the maternity leave entitlement to be taken compulsorily immediately after the date of confinement;

(b) four weeks of maternity leave to be availed of immediately before the expected date of confinement, unless agreed otherwise between the employer and the employee;

(c) the remaining balance of entitlement to be availed of, in whole or in part, either immediately before or immediately after the above periods, as the employee may request:

If she is unable to avail herself of the maternity leave entitlement before the date of confinement, the balance of entitlement may be used after confinement.

An employee on maternity leave shall be entitled to 14 weeks maternity leave with full wages.

Parental Leave

Parental leave is the individual right of both male and female workers to be granted unpaid parental leave on the grounds of birth, adoption or legal custody of a child to enable them to take care of that child for a period of three months until the child has attained the age of eight years. In the event that the parental leave is not availed of or there is still an existing balance of parental leave, an employee shall remain entitled to such leave even if there is a change in the employer or in the employment of the employee.

Employees in the private sector may take up to 3 month unpaid parental leave. Public officers on the other hand may avail themselves of a maximum one year unpaid parental leave per child and a once only, 5 year unpaid leave. The parental leave can be also shared by both parents.

Sick Leave

Employees must notify the employer as soon as possible when they fall ill. A doctor’s certificate is required.

Employees are entitled to wages during illness according to Maltese law or applicable collective agreements.  When the sick leave entitlement is exhausted the employer is no longer obliged to pay wages. The employee is entitled to sickness benefits from the Social Security Department.

Other Leave

Employers are bound by law to grant to every employee a minimum total of fifteen hours with pay per year as time off from work for urgent family matters. The total number of hours availed of by the employee for urgent family reasons shall be deducted from the annual leave entitlement of the employee.

The employer shall have the right to establish the maximum number of hours of time off from work in each particular case, save that the minimum time should not be less than one hour per case unless there is the specific agreement of the employee. The employer shall have the right to demand such evidence as may be necessary to verify and confirm the request for urgent leave by the employee.

Part-time employees shall be entitled to pro-rata urgent leave entitlement.

Legal Notice 225 of 2003

Legal Notice 427 of 2002

Employment and Industrial Relations Act

Maternity Leave Regulations Chapter 452.91

Parental Leave Regulations Chapter 452.78

Urgent Family Leave Regulations Chapter 452.88

Part-time Employees Regulations Chapter 452.79

URL: http://www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

End of employment

Termination of employment can be carried out if the employer has a serious reason for stopping an employment relationship. This reason may concern the individual employee, or it may be collective, pertaining to financial or operational difficulties. These include reduction in workload for economic reasons or production-related causes. A company buyout does not entitle the employer to redundancies. Employment can be terminated due to serious misdemeanours.

The employer must inform the employee some time before the employment ends. Unless otherwise agreed, this period of notice depends on how long the employment has lasted.

The employee may terminate employment at any time, and unless otherwise agreed the period of notice is from one week to twelve weeks, depending on the duration of employment.

Notice periods in Malta are as follows:

More than 1 month but not more than 6 months -1 week

More than 6 months but not more than 2 years – 2 weeks

More than 2 years but not more than 4 years – 4 weeks

More than 4 years but not more than 7 years – 8 weeks

More than 7 years – an additional 1 week for every subsequent year of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks

Longer periods may be agreed to by the employer and employee in the case of technical, administrative, executive or managerial posts.

Notice period starts on the working day following the day on which notice was given.

Employees who feel that they have been unfairly dismissed or who allege that they have suffered from discrimination should consult the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations, the workplace trade union and/or seek legal advice to refer their case to the Industrial Tribunal.

Employees have the right to ask for a reference letter when the employment ends. A reference will indicate the length of employment and the type of the work carried out.

Employment and Industrial Relations Act: www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER)

121, Triq Melita
Valletta VLT2000
Telephone: 21224245/6
Fax: 21243177
E-Mail: noel.vella@gov.mt

Representation of workers

All employees whether office staff, labourers or trainees have the option to be represented at work by a workers’ union. The responsibilities, privileges and obligation of the unions are regulated in the Employment and Industrial Relations Act. Employees who face problems at their place can approach the union relevant to their industry to request help. There is a separate representative organisation for the protection of special cases such as disability and gender equality.

A trade union and an employers’ association shall, for all purposes of law, be treated as an association of persons and not as a body corporate, but amongst other items it shall have the capability of making contracts. The two general trade unions in Malta are the General Workers’ Union and the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin. A list of all registered trade unions and employers’ associations may be obtained form the Registrar of Trade Unions, 120, Melita Street, Valletta, Malta.

Employment and Industrial Relations Act: http://www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

General Workers’ Union: http://www.gwu.org.mt

Union Haddiema Maghqudin: http://www.uhm.org.mt

 Malta Union of Teachers: http://www.mut.org.mt

 Malta Union of Bank Employees: http://www.mube.org

 Malta Employers Association: http://www.maltaemployers.com

 General Retailers and Traders Union: http://www.grtu.org.mt

 Work disputes – strikes

Settlement of disputes

The Employment and Industrial Relations Act, 2002, is the main law regulating work relations in Malta. The Act deals with individual conditions of employment and collective industrial relations. The Act also specifies mechanisms for the voluntary and compulsory resolution of industrial conflict.

The legislation regarding labour disputes is administered through an Employment Relations’ Board which has a consultative function to government on a wide range of issues concerning labour legislation and the establishment of the national minimum conditions of employment.

The Employment and Industrial Relations Act presents the voluntary settlement of disputes through mediation and conciliation and for a settlement to be determined by the Industrial Tribunal. A conciliation panel made up of not less than five persons are involved in the process. In more than two thirds of all the cases, an agreement was found.

When agreement is not reached through the conciliation panel, the case is referred to the Industrial Tribunal. The tribunal is a judicial organisation, established under employment act, and has authority over employment and industrial relations conflicts. The Tribunal’s rulings are binding and are not subject to appeal for a stipulated minimum period of twelve months.

Strikes

The employment legislation specifically recognises the permissibility of strikes and lockouts as an expression of free association, although strikes can be forbidden by law for specific sectors. Strikes and lockouts are permissible when they concern labour relations and when there are no impeding obligations such as to maintain peaceful labour relations. Employers are not obliged to pay wages for the duration of strikes.

 Employment and Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 452

Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 266: http://www.justice.gov.mt/legalservices.asp

 Industrial Tribunal

Industrial Employment Relations Department

121, Melita Street,

Valletta, VLT1121

Telephone: 21224245/6

Fax: 21 243 177

3.3 Land uses

Land is one of Malta’s most important environmental media, providing the context for its life support systems, and thus for biodiversity and human life itself. Social and cultural activities use land as a backdrop, and land is a basic resource for economic activity. Due to Malta’s size, population density and interesting island biodiversity, decisions relating to land-use change are often highly contested. Subsequently, the thrust is to direct development within the development zone while protecting sites and areas designated for their ecological, scientific, archæological and other value.

Policy Context

Land use is affected by agriculture, the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, resource management, housing, and transport, and by policies formulated to direct these. However, the principal instrument through which conflicts between competing interests for land are resolved is the land-use planning system. The legal framework for planning in Malta is set out in the 1992 Development Planning Act,[1] through which the Planning Authority was first established, as well as a detailed and hierarchical system of Development Plans and Planning Policies on which decisions regarding land-use change are based. Primary among these is the 1990 Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands[2], which sets out 320 policies offering strategic land-use guidance at the national level, and which is currently under review. Seven local plans provide local interpretations of the general policies of the Structure Plan. Five of these were approved in 2006, while the other two – the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan and the Grand Harbour Local Plan were approved in 1995 and 2002 respectively. Through these, potential conflicts emerging from decisions relating to land use can be addressed earlier in the development process, when there is more scope for discussion. The Structure and Local Plans are supported by a set of supplementary planning guidance notes (Planning Policies).

The agriculture sector, now operating within the single market and an EU policy context, is guided by the Rural Development Plan for 2007-2013. In line with EU policy, this seeks to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, the rural environment and quality of life, as well as help diversify the rural economy. This is addressed through the use of agri-environmental measures under which farmers receive financial benefits for undertaking conservation-friendly measures such as organic farming and the management of the rural infrastructure, for example the maintenance of dry stone walls.

Nature conservation policy is guided by the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the related national legislation that seeks to protect areas of national and international conservation importance. Of particular interest are Natura 2000 sites that need to be formally managed within six years of designation, to ensure that the chief threats to habitats and species in that area are reduced or eliminated. The European Landscape Convention, although not yet ratified by Malta, has been taken on board through the planning system.

Water issues in Malta are regulated through the Water Framework Directive and its related national legislation under the Malta Resources Authority Act and the Environment Protection Act. The principal considerations are the control and coordination of activities on land that might have a detrimental effect on water quality by means of a water catchment management plan.

National legislation, the Fertile Soil (Preservation) Act, covers the preservation of this strategic resource. There is no current legislation on non-agricultural soils or on the remediation of contaminated industrial soils.

National housing policy focuses on access to affordable housing and is implemented by the Malta Housing Authority. The land-use dimension is administered through the planning system, which provides the strategic context in terms of supply and location of land. Transport policy is implemented by the Malta Transport Authority, and a strategic direction may be found in the TEN-T report for Malta and the document on Public Transport.

The countryside, which made up 70 % of Malta’s land area in 2006 (CLC2006), contributes fundamentally to the islands’ life support systems by providing ecosystem services related to clean air, soil, and ground and surface waters. It also plays a fundamental role in contributing the physical backdrop to the national heritage, as well as providing the context for recreational, æsthetic, sporting and exercise-related activities. It also provides a location for economic activities related to agriculture, tourism, minerals extraction and recreation.

4.1 Waste water management

WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION

The Water Services Corporation is also responsible for the collection, treatment and safe disposal of wastewater.

The WSC’s Wastewater Operations Unit operates and maintains a large network of gravity and pressure sewage mains throughout the Islands. A comprehensive preventive maintenance program ensures that the sewer mains remain in proper working order thereby avoiding many problems before they occur. Jetting/Suction bowsers are used to wash sewer lines with high pressure water hoses removing grease, sand and other debris from the lines. About 400km of sewers are cleaned each year resulting in a better performance of the network and lessening inconveniences caused by overflows especially during the summer season. A number of closed-circuit television inspections are carried out each year to identify problems quickly and without excavation so that proper corrective action can be taken.

Moreover, every week the Unit empties the cesspits of 800 households and 22 farms that are not connected to the public sewer system.

To prevent the further discharging of raw sewage into the sea, the Corporation commissioned three new wastewater treatment plants: one in Gozo in January 2008 another new plant at Ic-Cumnija l/o Mellieha in January 2009, and the third and largest new treatment plant in Ta’ Barkat in the south of Malta in June 2011.

This means that Malta is now fully compliant with the European Union’s Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, stipulating that all wastewater must be treated prior to disposal at sea. This means that in 5 short years the Maltese Islands went from virtually zero, to 100% of its wastewater being treated prior to disposal. Malta is therefore the first country in the Mediterranean and only the seventh in Europe to treat all its wastewater.

Ta\’ Barkat Sewage Treatment Plant is the largest of the 3 sewage treatment plants.

The Water Services Corporation has now intensified its focus upon an aggressive programme of applied research and development of small stand-alone treatment plants. These are designed to treat wastewater up to irrigation level to provide water for the various urban regeneration and greenery projects being carried out on the island.

In the beginning of September, Project Neptume saw the WSC teaming up with the University of Malta to provide irrigation water for the “Dock 1” regeneration project currently underway in the famous Three Cities area. This project will combine a unit designed and built by the WSC to treat wastewater and Phyto-remediation plants specially chosen for the Maltese climate.

The above activities are complimented by research into water re-use for agriculture and aquifer re-charging.

4.2 Transport schemes

From its position astride one of the major arteries of shipping, Malta offers a whole range of international maritime services and facilities including:

• deep natural harbours and well equipped ports which offer a haven for international shipping
• extensive bunkering, ship supplies and towage services
• ship building and ship repair yards which can take the largest ships afloat
• modern facilities for transshipment and distribution, including a very successful Freeport and oil terminal
• high level training for both deck and engineering officers at a reputable nautical school
• a hub for cruise liners
• international yacht marinas backed by efficient repair and shore support services

• an international ship register – one of the largest in the world

The functions of the Authority related to maritime transport include:

• The efficient operation and further improvement of ports and yachting centres
• The registration of ships and administration of the services contemplated in the Merchant Shipping Act
• Overall control for the preservation of good order in territorial and internal waters in Malta, in the ports and their land and sea approaches
• The human resource development of port personnel and seafarers
• The prevention and control of pollution of ports
• The provision of appropriate safety measures related to ports and shipping
• The overseas promotion of Malta as a maritime centre

• Advice to Government on matters relating to maritime activities and their development

Mission Statement

The Land Transport Directorate plans and provides for a sustainable, high quality, safe, integrated and efficient land transport system that will meet the travelling needs of people and the transport requirements for the movement of goods within the national framework for economic development, social inclusion and protection of the environment.

The core objectives of the Land Transport Directorate are to:

• provide a sustainable, efficient and safe public transport system, and to promote modal shift to public and passenger transport
• regulate vehicle and equipment standards, sustainable and safe transport services, and the registration and licensing of vehicles and transport operators, with road safety as a top priority
• provide an effective regulatory framework for driver training, testing and licensing with the aim of improving road safety and promoting eco-driving

The Roads and Infrastructure Directorate co-ordinates the construction, re-construction and maintenance of roads, the management of traffic and the promotion of traffic safety.

How it Works

In carrying out its functions under this Act, these Directorates shall ensure that their activities conform with the aims and objectives of national economic planning and shall give due consideration to the impact of transport on the environment.

Air Transportation

Air Transport is essential for economic and social activity, especially so in Malta where external modes of communication are limited to sea and air transport.

The Civil Aviation Directorate ensures that the Maltese air transport industry, in all its aspects, continues to be developed in a safe and efficient manner in order to serve the island’s needs.
The Civil Aviation Directorate (part of the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications) regulates all aviation activities in Malta due to membership of the following organisations:

• the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
• the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)
• EUROCONTROL
• the European Aviation Safety Agency

The Civil Aviation Directorate has a range of responsibilities and offers a selection of services to ensure the safety of those involved and to regulate all practices.

The Civil Aviation Directorate is thus responsible for:

• the safety of aircraft
• aircraft and aerodrome operators
• air navigation service providers
• the licensing of aeronautical personnel
• the conclusion of international air services agreements

5.1 Archaeology

The oldest buildings in Europe are found in Malta – older than the Pyramids of Egypt. The occupation and settlement of Malta by modern humans began approximately 7,000 years ago, when the first Neolithic Farmers crossed the 50 mile-wide straits that separate the islands from Sicily. Prior to that, the islands were uninhabited. The undomesticated animals, at the beginning of the Holocene [12-10,000 years ago] would have been red deer, bear, fox and wolf. Much earlier than that, there is archaeological evidence of Pleistocene species [c. 250,000 years ago] such as dwarf elephants and hippopotami.

The chronological sequence of Maltese archaeology

The chronological sequence of Maltese archaeology is characterised by chapters, beginning with the earliest presence of modern humans:

The Neolithic farmers

The impetus to cross over to Malta from the southern tip of Sicily, from where it was visible, was probably land pressure created by the expanding farming communities [Bonanno 1997].

The three waves of farming settlers are characterised by their pottery; first, the Ghar Dalam [pottery with geometric patterning], secondly the Grey Skorba [a dull, undecorated ware of greyish colour] and then the Red Skorba [pottery with a bright red coating].

Commercial and cultural contacts with the mother island – Sicily – occurred throughout this period, as evinced by examples of flint, obsidian and female figurines.

The early settlers worshipped a ‘mother goddess’ whose type is known from early statuettes found scattered around the Mediterranean. Similar statues are  found on Malta, several being of uniquely large size. We know from physical evidence that worship in the Malta temples included animal sacrifice. Beyond this, little is known about the rites and rituals that took place there. Although the temples are large in overall extent, the interior chambers do not have enough room to hold more than a few people at one time. Therefore public worship in large groups would not have been possible. It is likely that the priests and priestesses carried out rites inside the temples, and the public was not invited, [Daniel Cilia, 2004], perhaps similar to the \’restricted\’ experience of the Palaeolithic caves of Europe, such as Chauvet.

The temples of Malta have been described as a suitable candidate for the ‘ancient wonders of world’ [along with the Pyramids of Egypt, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mauseoleum at Halicanassus, Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus].

The Maltese temples are constructed of stone – coralline limestone – in a cloverleaf (trefoil) floor plan. Their typical architectural elements include the incomplete dome and the horizontal arch, or post-and-lintel trilithon. The curvatures of the temples perhaps reflect the circular plan of ordinary dwellings of the time, but are also reminiscent of underground burial chambers.

The basic temple plan consists of a variable number of hemispheric chambers, or apses, branching off from a narrow entrance path. The apses are incomplete domes, built of ingeniously corbelled stone, broad at the base and curving in towards the top. However, a full dome could not be constructed using this technique; after the walls had been built up, the apse was roofed in animal hides which were suspended from timber poles. Pole-and-hide construction was also used for the doors.

It has been suggested that the temples might have represented the head, arms and legs of a deity, since one of the commonest kinds of statue found in these temples is a \’fat\’ woman (Venus of Malta from Hagar Qim), a symbol of fertility.

This period can be categorized into phases:

The archaeological record shows unequivocally that the Temple builders disappeared from around 2500 B.C. Whether this was due to over-exploitation and eventual exhaustion of the natural resources – parallels appear here with Easter Island – compounded by successive years of drought or a climate change, remains speculative. Was the population completely wiped out, or assimilated? A warlike Bronze Age people, similar to those of Greece, southern Italy, and Sicily, succeeded the Temple builders, bringing with them an entirely new culture which included disposing of their dead by cremation.

5.2 History of the area

Brief History of the islands of Malta and Gozo

Malta is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between Gibraltar and Alexandria, and Sicily and North Africa. Thus it has always been at the cross-roads of the trading and warring routes of this land-locked sea.

Malta is chiefly composed of limestone with no hills higher than 300 metres and no rivers. On the South-West side it is guarded by high cliffs whilst on the North-East side the shore is indented with sheltered harbours. These proved to be very attractive to the sailors and navigators that sailed the Mediterranean.

The origin of Maltese history goes back to some 4500 years BC, when some people from the neighbouring island of Sicily, who could see the island lying on the horizon, decided to cross the narrow waters to investigate. This obviously could not have happened unless these people had skills in sailing or rowing some form of craft which was large enough to carry with them their belongings, which included such animals as sheep, goats and cattle, as well as seeds like wheat and barley.

These people settled on the island and sheltered in the many caves which exist there. The earliest inhabited cave is called \’Ghar-Dalam\’, the cave of darkness, where remains of these people and their artefacts give us an insight into their way of life. They cultivated the land, growing wheat and barley and practised animal husbandry.

Around 3500 BC they started to build large buildings the like of which were not to be found anywhere else. They kept in touch with their cousins in Sicily obtaining from them obsidian and flint with which they could make tools to help them work the stones. These buildings, of which there are fifteen , are spread across the island. They are the oldest existing megalithic structures known to man – places like Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, etc. antedate the pyramids and Stonehenge by some 1000 years. This Neolithic peril about 1800 years, when, for no explicable reason, it ended abruptly. Nobody knows what happened, but famine, over population and disease could have been possible causes.

Around 1200 BC Phoenicia started to expand her empire. The Phoenicians were traders and great mariners who sailed their ships along the shores of the Mediterranean. They sailed to England where they traded tin. It is said that they circumnavigated the continent of Africa. They settled on the North coast of Africa and established a city called Carthage. They also settled on the West coast of Sicily and in Malta. Indeed, the name \’Malta\’ is said to be derived from the Phoenician word \’Maleth\’, meaning refuge. Their stay in Malta was to last for 320 years. Conceivably the roots of the Maltese language derive from this Phoenician period. The Phoenicians also introduced glass making and weaving and built temples were they could worship their gods.

Meanwhile, the city of Carthage grew in size and strength and eventually carved out an empire which covered the North African coast to the west of Carthage, and included Spain, Sardinia, Western Sicily and Malta. The Carthaginians got into difficulties with the Greeks in Eastern Sicily and with the arrival of Rome on the political scene during the 3rd century BC it was inevitable that the two nations would wage war for mastery of the area. Three wars, known as the Punic Wars, were fought from 264 to 146 BC ending with the fall of Carthage, and with Rome becoming supreme in the Central and Western Mediterranean. Malta became part of the Roman Empire during the 2nd Punic War (c. 218 BC) and remained part of the empire till the Vandals raided the islands in AD 395. One event of great importance to the Maltese took place in AD 5 8, when St. Paul, who was on his way to Rome as a prisoner, was shipwrecked on the Island. He stayed for three months during which time he introduced Christianity to the people. The Maltese take great pride in saying that they were one of the first nations to accept Christianity as their faith – but that is another story.

We now enter a dark period in Maltese history, the period from AD 395 to 535. No records exist as to what happened during that time. Rome fell the Vandals in AD 455 and it is quite likely that towards the end of the 4th century, Malta too became part of the Ostrogothic Kingdom centred in Rome In AD 535, Malta was conquered by General Belissarius the Byzantine to form part of the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire, till the arrival of the Arabs.

Islam started with the Hegira, when Mohammed fled from Mecca to Medina in AD 622. Before long his followers spread across North Africa into Spain and across the Pyrenees. Their expansion into Europe was stopped by the French King Charles Martel at Tours in AD 732, just one hundred years after the death of Mohammed. They invaded and captured Palermo in AD 832 and in 870 they invaded Malta. Once again Malta came in contact with a new and vigorous Semitic people.

Unfortunately, very little documentation relating to the two centuries of Arab rule in Malta survives today. Indeed, Arab influence in Malta lasted much longer, since the Normans, who invaded in 1090 and took over the island from the Arabs, were indeed enlightened people and they tolerated the presence of the Arabs in the island. In fact, Count Roger never garrisoned the islands. Arab influence remained more or less unrestricted till about 1224, when the Muslims were finally expelled. The chief legacy of the Arab occupation in Malta must be the Maltese language itself, which has many elements of Arabic.

Legends about the coming of Count Roger and the Normans to Malta are numerous, but most probably unfounded. Count Roger is said to have given Malta her flag based on the Hauteville colours. He is reputed to have re-Christianised the Maltese, established churches, re-appointed a bishop and even expelled the Arabs. All of this is doubtful. However, the Normans\’ presence opened the door for the re-Europeanisation of the Maltese people. The so-called Norman Period lasted till 1194 and though the Normans left many treasures and architecture in Sicily, hardly any relics of this period exist in Malta.

Following the death of King Roger II in 1154, a series of political struggles ensued. William the Good died childless in 1189 and a dispute arose over his successor. The rightful heir was the daughter of Roger 1, Constance, who was married to Henry VI, son of the German Emperor, Frederick Barbarossa. However, the Pope had other ideas. Fearing the penetration of the Germans in Sicily and Southern Italy, the church threw its support with Tancred. He was crowned king in 1190. However, he did not last long because Henry VI, through a series of intrigues within Tancred\’s court, acquired Sicily in 1194. Thus Malta became part of the German Kingdom under Frederick II – the Hohenstaufen rule. The Arabs were finally expelled from Sicily and Malta after an uprising in 1224.

Following the death of Frederick II in 1250, the Hohenstaufen dynasty declined very rapidly. Many of Frederick\’s enemies, including the church, were keen to rid Sicily and Southern Italy of the Germans. Sixteen years of plots and counterplots eventually brought a new master to Malta. In 1266, Pope Clement finally achieved his objective and proclaimed Charles of Anjou as King of Sicily.

Although the period of Angevin rule over Malta was short-lived (1266-1283), it is from this point onward that Malta shifted into the European scheme of government and administration. Because of high taxation, moves were made in Sicily to restore the island to Aragon, the rightful heirs to the crown of Sicily. Things came to a head in 1282 with the Sicilian uprising against the French, known as the Sicilian Vespers, which led to a bloody massacre of the French. The Aragonese took immediate advantage and installed Peter of Aragon as ruler of Sicily and Malta.

The Aragonese period in Malta was to last for 130 years. During that time the Maltese people suffered the indignity of having their island handed from one noble to another as a fief for various services rendered to the king. These individuals increased taxation which led to local unrest amongst the people. Malta remained at the mercy of these powerful Sicilian magnates, like the Alagonas and the Moncadas. It was not till 1397 that the local council for Malta and Gozo, the Universita, made a strong petition to the crown for the islands to be restored to direct rule by the King.

In 1412, Ferdinand de Antequera was elected King of Aragon, Castille and Sicily, the first Castillian to ever occupy the throne. In 1421, King Alfonso granted the Maltese islands and all the revenue from them to Don Antonio Cardona in exchange for a loan of 30,000 gold florins. He then transferred his right over Malta and Gozo to Don Gonsalvo Monroy. The Maltese disagreed with this arrangement. After five years they finally rebelled. In 1426 they pillaged Monroy\’s house in Mdina and laid siege to his castle at Birgu. The Maltese bought back the island for 30,000 florins. They also insisted on radical reforms including one that said that the islands wore never to be ceded again by the crown. Alfonso agreed to these reforms and finally ratified them in a Royal Charter in 1428.

In 1479, Ferdinand II married Isabella of Castille. Their daughter Joanna married Philip Archduke of Austria. In 1518, the Habsburg dynasty was consolidated when their son Charles V, became the Holy Roman Emperor. Through the intercession of Pope Clement VIII, he granted Malta, Gozo and Tripoli to the homeless Order of St. John in 1530.

The Order of St. John came to Malta after the loss of Rhodes in 1522. They had been in Rhodes since 1309. Before that they were in the Holy Land where the Order was established in 1099 by Blessed Gerard to look after the pilgrims and the crusaders. The main enemy now was Turkey. The Ottomans were the dread of the Christian powers bordering the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Malta was becoming of supreme strategic importance for the control of the Mediterranean against the alarming growth of Muslim power. In 1547 the Turks made an unexpected attack on Malta and Gozo, taking many prisoners. The attack that followed in 1551 was more serious, for they ransacked Gozo and made off with 5000 prisoners. The Order was convinced that they must prepare the defences of the island for a bigger invasion. Soon afterwards, in 1565, a great Turkish armada appeared off the coast of Malta, starting what is now called The Great Siege of Malta, which was to last for four long months. When it was finally raised on the 7th September of the same year, many knights and Maltese had lost their lives, as did many Turks.

After the siege a new city was built, called Valletta in honour of the Grand Master who led the Order through the siege. This was to be a modem, fortified city, and eventually a city of culture and commerce. The city grew and so did the wealth of the Order. The threat of Turkish invasion was ever present. In 1572 the Turkish fleet was defeated by the Christian powers, including the Order, led by Don Juan of Austria at the battle of Lepanto.

In the years that followed, Valletta became an impregnable fortress, housing imposing palaces and churches. It also became a flourishing centre for trade and learning. Successive Grandmasters initiated grand projects, such as the building of many fortifications, aqueducts and a university, where the teaching of anatomy and surgery took place.

As time went by, however, the Order began to decline. The haughtiness and despotism of some of the Grandmasters upset the Maltese, leading to the famous Rebellion of the Priests, led by Mannarino in 1775 during the magistery of Ximenes de Texada. After the death of Grandmaster de Rohan (1797) the Order elected Ferdinand von Hompesch as its leader.

The situation in Europe at the time was explosive. The French revolution had changed the face of Europe and through the influence of Napoleon Bonaparte, \’The Directory\’ gave him permission to invade Egypt and take Malta in the process. In 1798 he invaded Malta and expelled the Order. Thus ended 268 years of rule by the Order of St. John.

French rule in Malta lasted only two years. The Maltese rebelled within three months of their arrival, besieging them in Valletta, from where, with the help of the British, they were finally ousted in 1800. The British occupied the island and for the next fifteen years the fate of Malta was undecided. The Maltese did not want the knights back and Britain was quite undecided as to whether it wanted to stay in Malta, but equally Britain did not want either the French or the Russians, who had their eyes on Malta for quite a while, to occupy the islands. The Maltese finally made up their mind and asked the British to stay. In the treaty of Paris, the occupation of Malta by the British was finally recognised. This was legalised in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna.

The Maltese got used to British rule but it was not long before the Maltese appealed to the British for equal participation in the running of their island. Mitrovich and Sceberras made extraordinary efforts for this cause, as a result of which a Council of Government was set up in 1835, a small beginning along the road to representative government.

Despite slow progress in the field of constitutional reform, Malta moved ahead, particularly in defence and imperial strategy. Malta benefited from increased defence spending by Britain. The dockyards were enlarged with five new dry docks being completed by 187 1. Malta prospered.

The Crimean War (1854-56) again brought considerable military activity to the island and Malta\’s importance as a supply station and as a naval base was unquestionable. When steam replaced sails, and after the opening of the Suez canal, Malta thrived. She was now on the highway between Europe and the East. With every ship calling, the grand harbour became a beehive of activity from which everybody benefited.

As usual the island\’s prosperity was quickly reflected in a dramatic rise in the population. This would continue well into the 20th century. From 114,000 in 1842, the population rose to 124,000 by 1851. Twenty years later it would reach 140,000 and it would more than double by the advent of World War II. With each increase, the problem of congestion, especially in the urban areas of Valletta and the Three Cities, would become serious. Attempts were made to encourage the people to move to the newer suburbs and the older towns and villages. Despite the prosperity, employment for the ever increasing work force would not always be available. Emigration schemes were introduced which initially were not successful. However, towards the end of the century, with the trade boom on the decline and Malta\’s fortune ebbing, the Maltese started to emigrate, mainly to North Africa.

The political situation in Malta before World War I was increasingly overshadowed by the economic gloom that engulfed the island. The position deteriorated over a long time due to competition from other well-equipped ports in the Mediterranean. Government revenue from the slower activities in Malta\’s ports was falling steeply. It became clear that Malta\’s dependence on Britain\’s military spending was a severe handicap. Whenever there was a cut in defence spending, the people suffered.

The winds of change in Europe and the gathering clouds of war also weighed heavily over Malta, and when World War I broke out, the people rallied to the allied cause. The naval dockyards again came into their own – but at the close of the war Malta had to once more face reality. There were to be severe cutbacks in defence spending. Much hardship and distress followed. Men were discharged from the army and naval establishments, unemployment soared and inflation ate its way into the miserable pay packets. There were strikes and protests. On the 7th June 1919 a huge and angry crowd gathered in Valletta for one of the meetings of the assembly. The pent-up frustration of the people suddenly exploded into a riot. The mob got out of control and caused much damage. Troops were called in and they opened fire. Five men were killed.

In 1921 Malta achieved responsible government. Under a new constitution she was to have a legislative assembly composed of 32 elected members and an upper house of 16 members. All internal domestic affairs were to be in the hands of the Maltese with Britain retaining responsibility for foreign affairs and defence.

Germany started the Second World War in September 1939. Malta was soon in the thick of it, once again coveted for its great strategic position in the Mediterranean. She was bombed very heavily by the Italian and German air forces and after two and a half years of never-ending air raids, the bravery, heroism and sacrifice of its people were recognised when King George VI awarded the Maltese people the George Cross Medal.

After the war Britain started the process of decolonisation. Malta too was part of that process, but her path to independence was slow and often uncertain. Self-government was restored in 1947, but the decision of the British Government to dismiss workers from the dockyards caused massive unemployment. Consequently, there began a great exodus of Malta\’s people to the United States, Canada and Australia, where work was available.

By 1964 a call for independence was made by the major political parties and after discussions with the British Government, an independence agreement, tied to a ten year defence and financial accord with the United Kingdom was finally approved. On 21 September 1964, Malta became a sovereign and independent nation within the Commonwealth.

Ten years later, Parliament enacted important changes to the constitution and on the 13th December 1974, Malta was declared a Republic within the Commonwealth and appointed Sir Anthony Mamo as the first Maltese President of the Republic of Malta. Five years later, the last of the British troops on the island left Malta and on 31 March 1979 the Union Jack was finally lowered.

Malta joined the European Union in 1st May 2004 and also is represented at the United Nations and has finally taken its rightful place amongst the nations of the world.

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