44 children were adopted from countries outside of Malta last year, family minister Michael FAlzon told Parliament on Monday evening. The adoptions were made from three countries: India, Slovakia and Portugal.

Falzon was replying to a number of parliamentary questions, inculuding about the €10,000 grant scheme introduced by the Government for couples wishing to adopt a child from another country. 

The grant was originally presented as part of the Labour’s electoral manifesto and included in the last budget measures. It came into force two weeks ago on May 22, as announced by the same minister.

Falzon said that the Government understood that the adoption process is costly and generally exceeds €10,000 and explained that the grant helps facilitate the process. A refund of up to a maximum of €10,000 can be applied for expenses related to travel, accommodation, legal matters and anything directly related to the adoption process.

 

Whilst the grant has come into effect now it will be back-dated to October 10, 2017 meaning all adoptions that were finalised after this date will be accepted. Falzon explained that those applying for the refund will need to submit documentation from the Maltese courts showing that the adoption has been concluded. He also clarified that adoption processes that had started before this date but that will be finalised after will be accepted.

Falzon said that he empathised that the adoption process is not a straightforward one and takes a long amount of time. However, he said there are two countries involved and thus two legal system and two cultures. Falzon also mentioned that the Government was opening relations with other countries to make it possible for couples to adopt from more countries. In fact, he said, that this year there may be the possibility to adopt from another European country.