Maltese-speaking child carers will receive an allowance of €520 per year

Every Maltese-speaking child carer, including those who have learnt the language, will receive an allowance of €520 per year alongside their wages, the government has announced.

“This best agreement builds on previous agreements but increases the investment each year during the applicable period. In total, this best agreement for free childcare amounts to €276.7 million,” Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday.

A free childcare scheme was signed on Tuesday at Auberge de Castille, covering four years and exceeding a quarter of a billion euro.

He said this confirms that a strong economy remains the key to prosperity for Maltese and Gozitan families, and that this growth is being translated into concrete measures that alleviate the burden and enhance quality of life.

He stressed for the government, free childcare is not an expense but an investment in families. He said the government supports families' choices and has introduced new rights to support work-life balance.

The Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Joyce Dimech, Jobsplus CEO Celia Falzon, Malta Chamber of SMEs President Paul Abela and Childcare Centre Providers Association President Simon Zammit signed the agreement whilst the Prime Minister Robert Abela, Minister Byron Camilleri, and others were present for the signing of the agreement, including Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana, Jobsplus Chair Charmaine Cristiano, Malta Chamber of SMEs COO Andrew Aquilina, and Elizabeth Parnis from the Childcare Centre Providers Association.

A Central Bank study highlighted that the free children scheme has increased the number of working women by 6,200, resulting in almost €180 million more in wage income for families.  It was noted that the rate of working women has reached nearly 75%, up 25% from 2013. “Therefore, free childcare is considered an investment that continues to bring economic and social benefits to the country,” stressed the Prime Minister.

Abela explained the implementation of the agreement, alongside social measures funded by this year’s Budget, including two tax cuts for working parents, increased Children’s Allowance, and enhanced in-work benefits to incentivise employment.

“What was signed today is the best agreement for free childcare. We've invested more to ensure this service remains strong and free, supporting workers and providing better service for families. Sometimes we forget how much progress we've made: free education, healthcare, pensions, and now free childcare, a right for all. Over the past 10 years, thousands of families have benefited, with 40,643 children attending to date. This was a major step to support families and build a new middle class,” Minister for Employment Byron Camilleri said.