Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli said today that the new Cohabitation law will offer three forms of arrangements.

The first will be de facto cohabitation, where couples who have been cohabiting for at least two years will be considered as being in a de facto cohabitation agreement. This will allow for limited rights, such as being able to take medical decisions for their partner.

The second, would be a signed contract between the couple in front of a notary, allowing for more rights.

The third is a temporary measure that will be available for five years. This measure will be by unilateral declaration through a registered letter. This is being introduced, she said to safeguard from abuse in situations where one party wants to be listed as a cohabitee, while the other does not. This, the minister said, was to safeguard persons in vulnerable situations.

She said that it will protect individuals who have been living with their partner for many years, even possibly raising a family together, from being left with nothing out on the street.

Through the bill, couples who are living together and who are in a cohabitation agreement can declare spousal privilege.

The Bill has already passed through Parliament, and is awaiting the President's signature to become law.