Pregnant Non-EU Workers in Malta to Keep Free Childcare

Third-country nationals already living in Malta and expecting a child will continue to benefit from free childcare under transitional arrangements being drawn up by Jobsplus, sources have confirmed to Times of Malta. Children of non-EU nationals already registered for childcare but not yet attending will also be covered.

The clarification follows a government budget announcement that removes free childcare and public transport access for non-EU nationals without long-term residency status. Long-term residency requires five years of living and working in Malta, as well as completion of the integration programme, which carries significant waiting lists.

Jobsplus has yet to publish the revised criteria, and it remains unclear whether a cut-off point will apply based on how far along a pregnancy is when the measures take effect in January. The Employment Ministry said the revised framework will also address concerns raised by childcare operators, some of whom have warned the changes could force them to shut.

Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has confirmed that refugees and those granted subsidiary humanitarian protection will retain access to both free childcare and public transport.