We refer to the article ‘Identity Malta: Losing and re discovering your heritage’ that appeared in the Sunday edition of 21 January of The Malta Independent. We are positive to note that the information provided by the Agency’s officials was indeed correct; in fact, the issue was resolved by the authorities in the country of origin.

Identity Malta Agency’s operations are strictly regulated by Maltese legislation. Article 244 of Malta’s Civil Code stipulates that the Public Registry Unit can only transcribe information from a presented document which in this case was a foreign registered birth certificate. Any alterations to such documents can only be authorised by the Maltese courts or in this case, in the court of the country of origin of the document, depending on the circumstance. Identity Malta Agency has to abide by these procedures in all cases. No Identity Malta Agency or other official for that matter is authorised to make such alterations.

To make sure that any outstanding issues are completed, we do ask Prof. Bugeja to continue to work closely with the Maltese Embassy in Washington, USA to conclude this process in the best manner possible.

Charles Mizzi

Chief Officer Communications & Business Development, Identity Malta