‘Go back to your country’ budget targets migrants, Aditus says

Government has presented a “go back to your country” budget for 2027, NGO Aditus said on Tuesday.

The NGO accused government of scapegoating migrants for Malta’s problems while failing to address corruption, the construction industry and the influence of powerful business interests on policymaking.

In a statement, Aditus described the 2027 Budget as a “shocking testament to the institutionalised racism” that has persisted in the treatment of non-nationals living in Malta.

The budget, announced by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana on Monday, included several controversial measures targeting third-country nationals (TCNs) living and working in Malta.

These include removing TCNs from the free public transport scheme, increasing driving licence fees and raising residence permit application fees.

Aditus questioned the legality of the measures, pointing out that international and EU law require Malta to treat all individuals with dignity, including those who come to the country to work, study or seek asylum.

The NGO also recalled a strategy adopted by government in 2025 aimed at creating an inclusive society in which diversity is celebrated and individuals, regardless of their background, can fully participate and contribute.

It argued that the budget directly contradicts government's own policy, effectively undermining decades of consultation, research and investment in social inclusion.

Aditus described the measures as a misguided response to criticism of government's lack of a long-term socio-economic vision, accusing it of prioritising populism and greed.

It insisted that Malta's problems stem not from migration, but from record levels of corruption, an unscrupulous construction industry, direct orders for phantom services, the concentration of power among a select elite and business interests dictating policy.

"It is extremely sad that instead of taking bold measures to tackle these institutional disasters, government is picking on the easiest target with one clear message: ‘If you don’t like it, go back to your country!'"

Aditus concluded by expressing solidarity with all those affected by what it described as government's "vile measures."