Twenty-two new notaries have been granted their warrants after demonstrating the required competence to practise the profession.

The warrants were presented by Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima during a ceremony attended by representatives of the Notarial Council and the Ministry.

Addressing the new notaries, Grima said the occasion marked an important moment not only for them personally, but also for society, noting that the warrant came after years of study, dedication and sacrifice.

He said the notarial profession had continued to grow in importance, while also carrying greater responsibility. Today’s notary, he said, requires strong academic, legal and fiscal preparation.

Grima also spoke about the role of technology in transforming the sector, saying that modern notaries must work efficiently and remain up to date with new laws and digital systems.

“I believe in innovation in this sector because the modern notary must be efficient, and work with agility and vision,” he said, urging the new notaries to be part of the change needed to provide a better service to citizens.

The minister also referred to the ongoing dialogue with the Notarial Council, particularly in efforts to continue strengthening the profession through both infrastructural and legislative improvements.

Government Notary Dr Keith German said that, with the addition of the new notaries, Malta now has 399 practising notaries, made up of 257 women and 142 men. He added that around 1,322 notaries have practised in Malta since 1465.

In her address, Notarial Council President Dr Graziella Agius Farrugia reminded the new notaries of the importance of remaining within the limits of the law, regardless of what clients may request.