Equality Minister Rosianne Cutajar has expressed discomfort with Budget 2027 measures affecting third-country nationals (TCNs), warning that the changes risk deepening divisions and fuelling anti-foreigner sentiment.

In comments given to The Times of Malta on Wednesday, Cutajar said she understood the economic reasoning behind the measures introduced by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana but was not "personally comfortable" with them.

She said she had communicated her concerns to Caruana, while acknowledging that Malta was facing wider global economic pressures and that the decisions had been taken in the "interest of the country".

"The comments on social media hurt me and, in no way, do I want this to lead to a bigger division between people," she told Times of Malta, referring to online reactions to the measures.

Cutajar also expressed sympathy for those affected, saying she viewed the changes with concern from a human perspective. She suggested, however, that the measures could encourage more foreign workers to seek long-term residency in Malta, potentially helping them integrate into society rather than leave after a relatively short period.

"We have to keep supporting Maltese families and not burden them further," she said

Under the measures announced in Budget 2027, several costs for non-EU workers who do not hold long-term resident status will increase from next year.

The initial work permit application fee will rise from €600 to €800, while the annual renewal fee will increase from €150 to €400.

Third-country nationals will also have to pay for childcare when registering for the service for the first time. In addition, they will face a monthly charge of €83 to use a car in Malta or €33 to use buses and the ferry service.

The changes have prompted concerns about the additional financial burden on foreign workers and the implications for those living and working in Malta.