The authorities' effort to combat absenteeism may have not been well planned out and as a result some students are attending school just to avoid being fined, have no interest in learning and sometimes end up disrupting class or , according to the Malta Union of teachers.

The union has expressed its disappointment at the way high absenteeism rates issue was handled, saying that although the measures introduced were needed, the government has failed to plan reintegration programmes for students who have fallen behind. As a result, The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) has issued a directive directing its members not to enter classes in which there are students who have been absent for over 20% of the last scholastic year.  It will come into effect on 5 November, with the union demanding talks to identify the needs for such students. The union is also directing its members in senior management teams to not take responsibility of these students.

 In comments to this newspaper, MUT president Kevin Bonello said that schools have groups of students who are merely attending schools to avoid being fined, however they have no interest in learning, and at times, they end up distracting their fellow class mates.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has repeatedly stated that the government will take a hard stance against parents who allow and encourage absenteeism, as well as doctors who issue unwarranted medical certificates. Earlier this month, it was announced that parents will not get their €400 benefit if their children miss more than 9 days of school without justification.

Tribunals can hand out a €7 fine, followed by an additional €2.33 for every failed attendance. It has been estimated that 235 primary students do not attend school on 31 days, in some exceptional cases, more.

Foreign students lacking basic skills, refusing to learn Maltese

The MUT has reiterated that a large number of foreign students are attending local schools having no knowledge of Maltese or English.  Many of the students originate from countries with completely different educational systems, and they are unable to keep up with the Maltese system.  In addition, the MUT argued that it is unacceptable that some of the parents are expressing the wish for their children not to attend Maltese Language classes. A basic induction programme is being carried out for these students, however the system is not keeping up with the large number.  The union is asking the government to produce a detailed plan on how to tackle the issue.

Most of the students originate from Eastern European countries.