Identità said Monday has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of what is said were "important changes and improvements" in how it ensures compliance, safeguards identities and national security, and delivers public services.
The agency, which last year was involved in a scandal related to IDs issued on fake addresses, said it remains focused on security, transparency, and putting people at the centre of its work.
In 2024, Identità's Reporting Section, within the Compliance Unit, stepped up its efforts to ensure that all parties involved in engaging third-country nationals in the local workforce comply with all the relevant laws and regulations, a statement issued by the agency said.
The Section carried out a total of 215 field inspections across various sectors, including construction, hospitality, and residential premises.
These inspections, in collaboration with the other Government entities, led to 493 investigations, a 150% increase over the previous year. As a result, 169 persons were taken into custody for further investigation.
Moreover, the Internal Controls Section, within the same unit, conducted 30 internal issue verifications and initiated 12 system reviews, resulting in 69 internal recommendations to improve governance and strengthen compliance across the agency.
In 2024, Identità said it strengthened its commitment to employee well-being and development through two key initiatives. A new collective agreement introduced better working conditions, salary improvements, and performance incentives across all levels.
Additionally, an agreement with Richmond Foundation made mental health a priority, providing employees easy access to support and training to better understand and handle mental health issues at work.
An important milestone in Identità's digital transformation was the launch of the Person Register. This centralised platform is set to replace the Common Database (CDB), and allows public entities to securely share personal data in real time, following the "Once-Only Principle", the agency said.
Another important step for Identità in 2024 was achieving ISO 27001 certification, a recognition of the agency's ongoing efforts to strengthen information security. This certification reflects Identità's drive to identify, manage, and reduce risks while ensuring the protection of sensitive data across all its operations.
In 2024, Identità renewed and issued a record 83,994 new Maltese Identity Cards for Maltese citizens, more than twice the number issued the year before. This increase was driven by the Identity Cards renewal campaign for cards issued ten years ago.
In 2024, more than 13.4 million transactions were registered on virtual eID accounts, indicating a strong shift toward digital identity services. The Identity Cards Unit extended its opening hours and refurbished its premises to accommodate this increased demand. Another notable achievement was the 3,817 housebound visits, a record number that ensured inclusion for people with mobility challenges. Identità successfully relocated its Gozo services to new centralised premises in Victoria. This move consolidated the Identity Cards Unit, Passport Office, and e-Residence Unit into a single accessible location, enhancing both operational efficiency and public convenience, offering a modern, spacious environment for both clients and employees.
The Annual Report 2024 by accessing this link