NGO Repubblika has condemned Budget 2027 measures removing free public transport and childcare benefits for certain third-country nationals, describing them as "unjust, discriminatory and morally unacceptable," warning that a person's worth should not depend on whether they can vote for the government.

In a statement on Tuesday, Repubblika said that justice cannot be reserved for those who have a vote.

"These are people who live among us, work alongside us, pay taxes and contribute to our country's prosperity. Many earn low wages and have no say in the democratic process that determines their lives. They will now be required to pay for services that other residents will continue to enjoy free of charge, regardless of their income," the statement said.

"We must not forget that these people did not come to Malta without the state's consent. The government granted them permits to live and work here and, in some cases, actively encouraged their recruitment from abroad," it said.

It said that these people made important decisions about their lives and their families on the basis of the conditions they found in the country.

"They have a legitimate expectation that the state will treat them fairly and will not change the rules halfway through without serious and justified reasons," it said.

Repubblika said it was particularly concerned that the measures appeared designed to allow the government to give the impression that it was listening to complaints about the presence of foreigners.

"We are particularly concerned that these measures appear designed to allow the government to give the impression that it is 'listening' to complaints about the presence of foreigners, even when those complaints are fuelled by racism and xenophobia. The government's duty is to challenge prejudice, not exploit it," the statement said.

"The government has every right to regulate immigration and address pressures on public services. But it cannot claim to be building an inclusive society while making life more difficult for people who are already among us and whose labour our economy depends upon."

"A just society does not decide who deserves dignity according to nationality, skin colour or voting rights. A person's worth does not depend on whether they can vote for the government," Repubblika said.

"Politics should protect people from prejudice, not turn prejudice into state policy," the statement concluded.