The Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations said it is investigating complaints regarding "exorbitant" fees charged by the Malta Business Registry to Voluntary Organisations.

It said that, in the past days, a number of voluntary organisations have contacted the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations protesting that the Malta Business Register (MBR) is charging them "exorbitant" fees for not being registered in the Registry of Beneficial Owners.

“In view of this, the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations would like to notify all voluntary organisations that his Office is investigating these complaints in order to uphold his duty to VOs.”

The Commissioner said he feels disappointed that MBR are considering voluntary organisations on the same footing as Limited Liability Companies.

“The Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations is committed to safeguard all voluntary organisations and the voluntary sector in general.”