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Malta Arbitration Centre seeks approval for appeals

Although the law as it stands now does not allow appeals from arbitration awards, steps have been taken to seek parliamentary approval for appeals to be allowed on points of law, should the parties so wish. Arbitration cases in Malta have been facilitated through the setting up of the Malta Arbitration Centre as a centre for domestic arbitration and international commercial arbitration. It makes provisions regulating the conduct of arbitration proceedings and the recognition and enforcement of certain arbital awards.

It is run by a board of governors appointed for six-year terms by the president on the advice of the minister responsible for justice.

Benefits of arbitration are various and include the facility of having cases heard within a relatively short time. The arbitration awards are legally binding and have the force of a court judgement. Another plus is that expenses in connection with filing fees are only 25% of those payable at the superior courts, whilst a party involved in arbitration may choose to be represented or assisted by a person of their own choice. This may be a lawyer, an architect, an accountant, an engineer, among others.

In order to ensure high standards of competence, the centre runs regular training courses for arbitrators, conducted by highly qualified foreign and local speakers. A number of arbitrators have already been registered with the centre. Slowly but steadily arbitration has started to take root and people are being guided towards arbitration to solve their disputes.

Further information from the Malta Arbitration Centre, Palazzo Laparelli, 33, South Street, Valletta. Tel: 21222557, or email: malta.arbitration@magnet.mt