More than 40 non-EU national children are still hanging on a thread waiting to see whether their deportation from Malta will be revoked or not, as their parents do not meet the financial requirement threshold stipulated by Identity Malta’s policies, the Anti-Poverty Forum said.

. The financial requirements of this policy specify that third-country nationals must earn €19,000 a year, as well as €3,800 extra for each child.

The Anti-Poverty Forum Malta (APF Malta) believes that a decision to separate the children from their parents  goes against Article 9 of the UNCRC, which states that a child or young person shouldn’t be separated from their parents unless:

·  staying with their parents could be harmful to them; or

·  it’s impossible for them to stay with their parents.

A child or young person may be separated from a parent if:

·  that parent isn't able to take care of them

·  that parent is acting in a way that's not in that child or young person's best interests

·  that parent is unable to keep that child safe and happy;

besides the psychological trauma to be experienced by the children.  APF Malta congratulates the immediate corrective measures taken by some of the employers to improve the situation of these foreign employees so that the children do not suffer separation from parents.

Although the unemployment rate in Malta is amongst the lowest in the EU, salaries are not always in line with the economic growth. Both in 2018 and 2019 the economic rates, have reached high levels, even surpassing the average growth of the EU. This increase has impacted negatively on the cost of essential items.  Economic growth cannot come at the cost of workers’ dignity. Adopting the right policies will help those who are struggling to have a decent living in Malta. APF Malta hopes that the trauma experienced by both these children and their parents serve as an eye-opener to policy-makers, regulators and employers.

APF Malta supports all NGOs, politicians and other individuals prominent in society who are raising their concerns through their actions to make sure these children are kept united with their families in a safe environment.

APF Malta is a platform of 13 local organisations working to eradicate poverty and social exclusion. APF Malta is affiliated with the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN).