On the 11th September the British High Commissioner Stuart Gill met members of the British Residents’ Association (BRA) in Gozo to provide an update on Brexit. In his introductory remarks he emphasised that the UK would be leaving the EU on the 31st October and that it would be working with the EU to secure a deal by that date. There was a clear commitment on both sides to see a deal done. However, No Deal planning continued. For those living in Malta, the Maltese government has published its no deal legislation and the High Commissioner was able to reassure the audience that, under the legislation, the rights enjoyed by UK residents in Malta will continue after the UK leaves the EU.
For those who were unable to attend, you’ll find the top 4 questions raised during the meeting below.
I’m a resident in Malta. What do I need to do if there’s a No Deal?
The Maltese will protect the rights of UK nationals officially resident in Malta including the right to live in Malta and the right to work and access benefits. After Brexit, UK nationals will need to obtain a new residency permit. You will have 2 years from Exit day to do this. The permit will be valid for 10 years and can be renewed on expiry. It will be free. As soon as we have more details on what you’ll need to do to get the new permit, we will be updating our Living in Malta guide.
I receive a UK state pension and currently access healthcare in Malta via my S1 certificate. What will happen after Brexit? And can I access the NHS when visiting the UK?
Under its no deal legislation, the Maltese government is committed to protecting healthcare access for S1 certificate holders after Brexit. This means your access to healthcare in Malta won’t change if you are a resident and your S1 form is registered in Malta before Brexit. You will also be able to use NHS services without charge in England, Scotland and Wales when visiting the UK.
As someone in receipt of a UK state pension, if you no longer have your S1 certificate (because you submitted it for a Maltese Entitlement Card) and you need a copy, or need to check eligibility, you can contact the Overseas Healthcare Service on +44 191 218 1999
I am currently in receipt of a UK state pension. Will I still get it after Brexit and will it be uprated?
The UK will continue to pay the state pension overseas after Brexit. The UK government recently announced that it would uprate the UK state pension until 2022/2023 for those living in the EU. We will seek a reciprocal agreement with the EU to continue doing
I’m a resident in Malta but frequently travel to the UK and around the EU. What will change after Brexit?
You will need to ensure you have at least 6 months validity on your UK passport when travelling to the Schengen Area after Brexit. This includes when returning home to Malta. You should take your Maltese residency card with you when travelling. This will ensure that your UK passport will not be stamped on entry or exit from the Schengen Area. If your passport is stamped in error you should inform your local Maltese police station as soon as possible. After Brexit visa-free travel will be permitted in the EU for trips of up to 90 days in 180 days. This applies to UK nationals visiting the EU and those currently resident in Malta when travelling in other EU countries.
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Get Ready for Brexit: visit www.gov.uk/brexit to find out what you need to do to prepare.
