COVID-19 Maltese law updates

We have dedicated this space to bring you the latest developments with regards to COVID-19 and Maltese law. If you have any specific queries in relation to our COVID-19 updates, do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated team.

Employment & industrial relations

Update your workplace risk assessment and address the new hidden hazard, 2 June 2020

On 25 May 2020, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU- OHSA) published non-binding guidelines with the aim of retaining a safe working environment, now that many are returning to their workplace. Occupational health and safety…[Read more]

Webinar: Common Pitfalls when Effecting Redundancies and Data Protection Considerations of Employee Monitoring and Health Screening, 30 April 2020

As time passes and we continue to work remotely if at all, most of us are contemplating redundancies as a possible or potential remedy, even if not a current reality. HR professionals are the first port of call when such decisions are made…[Read more]

COVID-19: Top 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions, 6 April 2020

Ganado Advocates’ Employment Team compiled a document with frequently asked legal questions which employers may face during this time. Answers on quarantine leave, vulnerable persons, benefits from the government and remote working measures amongst others…[Read more]

Webinar: The COVID-19 pandemic from a Maltese employment law perspective – Benefits and other FAQs, 31 March 2020

Do you need guidance on benefits, remote working, remedies and DIER applications, workers representatives, quarantine leave or the vulnerable persons? Are you concerned about the legal responsibilities…[Read more]

COVID-19: Employment Related Benefits Table Malta, 30 March 2020

Download this document to find out more about the COVID-19 employment related benefits for Malta…[Read more]

COVID-19: New Malta Legal Notice on Quarantine Leave, 16 March 2020

At some point, over the last 48 hours, the Government of Malta has issued a Legal Notice on Quarantine Leave. The essence of the legal notice is that, all those persons who are told to stay on quarantine leave by government order…[Read more]

Webinar: The COVID-19 pandemic from a Maltese employment law perspective, 14 March 2020

Are you an employer who is confused by all the incoming requests by employees in relation to COVID-19? Are you unsure how to tackle some of the legal issues that are thrown your way? If so, this webinar is the perfect opportunity for you … [Read more]

A Coronavirus conundrum – What legal entitlements apply to employees in quarantine?, 26 February 2020

As all news items on coronavirus (COVID-19) keep gaining momentum, so do the related employment law questions which surround this ever-spreading virus…[Read more]

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Financial services

MFSA further extends Regulatory Reporting deadlines for Regulated Firms due to COVID-19 outbreak, 1 July 2020

Further to a circular published on 20 March 2020 wherein the MFSA informed the financial services industry that it would accept delays from reporting deadlines falling due between March and April 2020, the MFSA has now issued another circular informing the industry that, in light…[Read more]

UPDATED: Interim Measures for the Processing of Physical Documentation, 15 April 2020

The Malta Financial Services Authority (“the Authority”) has issued a circular stating that documentation to be submitted to the MFSA shall as of the 24 March 2020 be submitted electronically. Such an approach shall be taken until further communications are made by…[Read more]

ESMA Risk Assessment Update in light of COVID-19, 3 April 2020

On 2 April 2020, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) updated its risk assessment to account for the impact of COVID-19…[Read more]

MFSA Circular on Customer Protection and Complaints Handling Processes, 26 March 2020

On 25 March 2020, MFSA issued a circular reminding firms of its expectations of the measures that they should have in place regarding complaints handling…[Read more]

MFSA extends Regulatory Reporting deadlines for Regulated Firms due to COVID-19 outbreak, 24 March 2020

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects on the financial services sector, the MFSA has taken a decision to extend some of the regulatory reporting deadlines for the submissions that fall due this month or next month. In this regard, the MFSA has published…[Read more]

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Investment services & funds

ESMA issues Public Statement on the Risks for Retail Investors during the COVID-19 Crisis, 8 May 2020

The European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) just published a statement given the increase in trading activity involving retail clients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic…[Read more]

COVID-19: ESMA issues Public Statement on the Deadlines for the Publication of Periodic Reports by Fund Managers, 15 April 2020

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a public statement to promote coordinated action among national competent authorities (NCAs) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It concerns the obligations of…[Read more]

ESMA Public Statement on the Publication of Best Execution Reports, 3 April 2020

On 31 March 2020, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) issued a public statement clarifying issues regarding the publication by execution venues and firms of the best execution reports required under…[Read more]

COVID-19: MFSA Circular on ESMA’s Position on SFTR Backloading, 1 April 2020

The MFSA Circular on Regulation (EU) No 2015/2365 (“SFTR”) on Securities Financing Transactions issued on the 27 March 2020 is addressed to all market participants, particularly entities which enter into securities financing transactions falling under the…[Read more]

MFSA notice to consumers, 26 March 2020

On 24 March 2020, the MFSA issued a circular providing information to the general public on consumer protection measures being taken by the Authority in relation to COVID-19. The MFSA re-assured consumers…[Read more]

The Recording of Telephone Conversations under MiFID II: Clarification by ESMA, 25 March 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread like wildfire; it has created difficulties across the globe and has effected not just our economies, but also our societies, healthcare and financial institutions, all of which have had to acclimatise to this global crisis…[Read more]

ESMA Public Statement: Postponement of the reporting obligations under the Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (“SFTR”), 20 March 2020

In a Public Statement issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) on 18 March 2020, ESMA acknowledges that it was made aware of the pressure being made on the financial industry to comply with the new regulatory obligations under Regulation 2015/2365…[Read more]

COVID-19: MFSA Circular on Contingency Planning for Licence Holders, 20 March 2020

On March 13, 2020, the Malta Financial Services Authority (the “MFSA”), indicating that it is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on Investors, Investment Firms, Custodians, Fund Managers and Collective Investment Schemes (the “Licence Holders”) and the need for such Licence Holders to take into consideration the impacts of COVID-19 on their business… [Read more]

Short-Selling Regulatory Update amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, 18 March 2020

The current COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly, already had a negative impact on the financial market within the European Union (“EU”). Both the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) and the National Competent Authorities (“NCA”), including the Malta Financial Services Authority, have hastily began taking measures which attempt to mitigate…[Read more]

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Banking

Cross border payments in the EU and currency conversion charges: the revised Cross Border Regulation (“CBPR2”) and the national authorities’ flexibility in enforcing the currency conversion transparency requirements due to the COVID-19 crisis, 27 April 2020

Just under two decades ago, the European Parliament issued a Regulation on cross-border payments geared towards facilitating cross-border trade within the Union by ensuring that cross-border payment charges across Member States are the same regardless of participation in the euro area…[Read more]

ECB Banking Supervision provides temporary relief for Capital Requirements for Market Risk, 22 April 2020

On 16 April 2020, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced a temporary reduction in capital requirements for market risk, by allowing banks to adjust the supervisory component of these requirements…[Read more]

MFSA issues Circular to Credit Institutions and Foreign Branches outlining COVID-19 measures on timing of Supervisory Reporting, 22 April 2020

On 15 April 2020, the Malta Financial Services Authority (the “MFSA”) issued a Circular to all Maltese credit institutions and foreign branches situated in Malta outlining COVID-19 measures on the timing of…[Read more]

MDB to implement the Interest Rate Subsidy scheme complementing the COVID-19 Guarantee Scheme, 22 April 2020

Earlier this month the Malta Development Bank (“MDB”) has launched the EU Commission-approved MDB COVID-19 Guarantee Scheme (the “Guarantee Scheme”), which mainly provides guarantees to commercial banks to facilitate access to bank financing to businesses established and operating in Malta…[Read more]

EBA Guidelines on legislative and non-legislative moratoria on loan payments applied in the light of the COVID-19 crisis, 14 April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered several response measures across the globe, which consequently ripple into considerable economic stress, particularly for small businesses and households that find themselves faced with liquidity struggles in paying their financial commitments on time…[Read more]

New COVID-19 regulations on moratoria measures on credit facilities, 14 April 2020

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Malta issued on the 13th April 2020, the Moratorium on Credit Facilities in Exceptional Circumstances Regulations (the “Regulations”) through Legal Notice 142 of 2020. The main scope of the Regulation is to…[Read more]

MFSA issues Circulars to LSIs and FIs regarding the Timing of Regulatory and Statutory Reporting, 9 April 2020

Further to the Circular on Timing of regulatory reporting due to the outbreak of COVID-19 which was issued by the MFSA on 20 March 2020 to outline the applicable extensions for each sector, the MFSA has issued two additional circulars on 06 April 2020, namely…[Read more]

MFSA issues Circular to Credit Institutions on Dividend Distributions or Share Buybacks, 3 April 2020

On 2nd April, the Malta Financial Services Authority (the “MFSA”) issued a circular to credit institutions on dividend distributions or share buybacks. In the Circular the MFSA announces that it shall be adopting the Recommendation of the ECB of 27 March 2020 on dividend distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic…[Read more]

EBA Statement on Supervisory Reporting and Pillar 3 disclosures in light of COVID-19, 2 April 2020

On 31 March 2020, the European Banking Authority (EBA) has issued a new statement on supervisory reporting and Pillar 3 disclosures in light of COVID-19. This statement provides further possible actions to be taken by…[Read more]

ECB Recommendation on Dividend Distribution during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Repealing Recommendation ECB/2020/1, 30 March 2020

On 27 March, 2020 the European Central Bank (“ECB”) issued a recommendation whereby it held that the conservation of capital resources by credit institutions should take priority at present over discretionary dividend distributions and share buy-backs amid…[Read more]

COVID-19: European Central Bank (ECB) announces €750 billion Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (“PEPP”), 23 March 2020

Given the market volatility of the past week or so, the US Federal Reserve recently announced that it would be slashing interest rates to near zero levels – which is as low as it can be without going negative. In addition, it also announced a $700 billion quantitative easing programme to help the economy…[Read more]

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Insurance

COVID-19: The effects on the insurance industry and how to flatten the curve, 24 March 2020

The world is certainly going through turbulent times. This article is being penned whilst the author is under mandatory quarantine and self-imposed isolation, giving him the time and space to reflect on how our world is changing from one day to the next and trying to answer the perennial questions of how this situation came about, why we were not prepared for it and whether we should…[Read more]

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Capital markets

European Commission approves €18.7 million Maltese bond subscription in light of the economic impact of COVID-19, 9 July 2020

On 6 July 2020, the European Commission approved, under the state aid rules, a bond subscription facility of €18.7 million by the Malta Development Bank (“MDB”) to support Mediterranean Investment Holdings p.l.c…[Read more]

COVID-19: Relaxation of reporting deadlines due between May and June 2020, 1 July 2020

The MFSA has issued a circular informing the financial services sector (including the Capital Markets industry) that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, ihttps://ganado.com/news/covid-19-relaxation-of-reporting-deadlines-due-between-may-and-june-2020/t (the “MFSA”) may accept delays in reporting deadlines…[Read more]

ESMA issues a Public Statement regarding implications of the COVID-19 outbreak on half-yearly financial reports, 22 May 2020

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a public statement to promote transparency and consistency in the information provided in half-yearly financial reports under the present circumstances…[Read more]

Preventing Insider Offences in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, 17 April 2020

Further to a circular published last month, the MFSA has published a new circular addressed to entities listed on the MSE Main Market or on the Prospects MTF (the “Circular”)…[Read more]

COVID-19: Listing Authority’s policy regarding the automatic suspension of securities, 17 April 2020

The MFSA has published a circular (the “Circular”) about the suspension of one of the Listing Authority’s policies which, under normal circumstances, requires the Malta Stock Exchange to suspend the trading of financial instruments admitted to trading when issuers fail to publish…[Read more]

COVID-19: MFSA updates to the Maltese Capital Markets, 9 April 2020

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc across the global economy, including Malta, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has been continuously engaging with the Malta Stock Exchange as the operator of the only licensed…[Read more]

COVID-19: Capital Markets Update – More Extensions of Reporting Deadlines (MFSA circular), 8 April 2020

Due to the disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, ESMA recently issued a public statement., asking National Competent Authorities (including the MFSA) not to prioritise supervisory action against issuers for a period of 2 months…[Read more]

COVID-19: Capital Markets Update – Further Extensions Of Reporting Deadlines, 27 March 2020

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has just issued a public statement to promote coordinated action by National Competent Authorities (NCAs), including the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) regarding issuers’ obligations to publish periodic information for reporting periods ending on…[Read more]

COVID-19: Capital Markets Update – Extension Of Reporting Deadlines, 23 March 2020

Late last week, the MFSA published a circular to inform the market that in light of the COVID-19 situation, it will be extending (or is willing to extend) a number of reporting deadlines. The key extensions for the Capital Markets industry relate to…[Read more]

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Corporate/business issues

Industries must collaborate to attract business to Malta, 23 June 2020

“The situation with COVID-19 is an ever-changing one, making it hard to gauge the impact on the world and local economy, but also presents a real challenge in identifying solutions which address the situation in a manner…[Read more]

Impact of COVID-19 on Malta’s Insolvency Rules: a case for an ex ante approach, 6 June 2020

Malta has, to date, chosen to address corporate distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by extending credit capacity through the issuance of State guarantees, thus allowing them access to financing channels that would otherwise have been…[Read more]

COVID-19 and the Dividends Dilemma, 16 April 2020

As the COVID-19 virus continues to dominate our lives, we are coming across more and more headlines like these: “Coronavirus: Big banks stop shareholder dividends until the end of 2020” (news.sky.com), “JPMorgan warns it could suspend dividend in ‘extreme’ scenario (ft.com)”…[Read more]

Recovering from COVID-19, 7 April 2020

COVID-19 has taken the world by surprise from all aspects of life. Just like scientific research is struggling to catch up with the spread of this virus, the business community is fighting to survive. All business plans which may have been in place up till a few months ago are no longer applicable…[Read more]

COVID-19: European Union issues Guidelines in relation to Foreign Direct Investment, 27 March 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has shocked the economy of the European Union thereby exposing many businesses and other strategic industries to adverse risks. In a communication issued on the 25th March 2020, the European Commission…[Read more]

Publication of Notice by the Malta Business Registry: Additional COVID-19 Measures, 25 March 2020

On 25th March 2020, the Malta Business Registry (the “MBR”) published an important notice on its website in relation to the following matters…[Read more]

COVID-19: Taxing Times for the Economy, 20 March 2020

Over the last week, many countries have announced a variety of economic measures aimed at relieving the distress many businesses are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. Germany has arguable gone the furthest, by promising unlimited liquidity assistance to small and large businesses alike, along with a massive expansion of loans offered by the state development bank (KfW), with shorter application times…[Read more]

Aviation Flu: the economic impact of COVID-19 takes-off, 12 March 2020

2020 has greeted us with open arms and a solid handshake – triggering the swift spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the world. Medical advice is clear: the Coronavirus is of most risk to those with underlying conditions, including the elderly and anyone suffering from respiratory afflictions. However, what medical experts have failed to specify is that the same may be true for companies with pre-existing financial woes…[Read more]

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Anti-money laundering

The FIAU issues a Guidance Note in view of COVID-19, 11 May 2020

On 7th May 2020, the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (the “FIAU”) issued a guidance note, titled ‘COVID-19: Remaining Vigilant against a Changing Criminal Landscape’, which is published on its website and can…[Read more]

Extension of period for filing FIAU’s Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ), 4 May 2020

The FIAU has issued a notice today extending the deadline for the filing of the REQ 2020. The FIAU indicated that it appreciates that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several Subject Persons have implemented a number of measures to safeguard the health of their employees…[Read more]

FIAU Notice on deadline for filing Risk Evaluation Questionnaire, 24 April 2020

On the 20th April, 2020 the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) issued a reminder notice reminding all Subject Persons to submit the Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ) applicable to the relevant activity or relevant financial business category applicable to them by not later than the 4th May, 2020 at 17:00 hrs (this being the extended deadline they had granted in view of the COVID-19 pandemic)…[Read more]

Extension of period for filing FIAU’s Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ), 17 March 2020

As part of the measures that the FIAU has taken in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, including in order to contribute to national efforts aimed at avoiding its spread, the FIAU has, on the 16 March 2020, announced both an extension (up to 4 May, 2020 at 17:00 hrs) for the filing of the REQ by Subject Persons (that was otherwise due by the end of March 2020) as well as a waiver of the late filing fee of EUR100…[Read more]

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Competition, State aid and public procurement

Lex Mundi Report: COVID-19 Global Competition Measures, 28 April 2020

Ganado Advocates has contributed to a Lex Mundi global report on COVID-19 related competition authority and enforcement regime updates. This global resource can be found here…[Read more]

Implementation of the EU Medical Device Regulation postponed due to COVID-19, 28 April 2020

The application of the EU Medical Device Regulation (the “MDR”) has been postponed by a year, from 26 May 2020 to 26 May 2021. This postponement has been approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union as of 23 April 2020 by way of…[Read more]

The European Commission’s Guidance on COVID-19 and Public Procurement & Malta’s Approach to Emergency Procurement, 2 April 2020

On 1 April 2020, the European Commission issued a Communication entitled Guidance from the European Commission on using the public procurement framework in the emergency situation related to the COVID-19 crisis (the “Communication”)…[Read more]

COVID-19: Office for Competition provides guidance on how Concentration Notification Forms should be submitted to it, 30 March 2020

On 26 March 2020, we published an article titled ‘COVID-19: Mergers and Acquisitions must continue to be notified to the Office for Competition where the notification obligation under the Control of Concentrations Regulations applies’, which…[Read more]

COVID-19: Mergers and Acquisitions must continue to be notified to the Office for Competition where the notification obligation under the Control of Concentrations Regulations applies, 26 March 2020

The Control of Concentrations Regulations (S.L. 379.08) require the parties to a merger or acquisition to notify their transaction to the Office for Competition (OC) where the transaction brings about a lasting change of control and when in the preceding financial year…[Read more]

Force Majeure, COVID-19 and Public Contracts, 26 March 2020

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the timely and proper performance of contractual obligations may be challenging. This includes contractual obligations assumed in public contracts concluded with public contracting authorities…[Read more]

COVID-19 and EU State aid: Malta’s Aid Measures, 22 March 2020

There have been strong calls from various industry sectors for Malta to roll-out concrete financial aid to assist undertakings based in Malta to cope with the devastating economic effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Malta has already implemented two aid measures over the past few days and on 18 March 2020 it announced a set of other aid measures…[Read more]

COVID-19 and the Conduct of Public Procurement in Malta, 18 March 2020

Hot on the heels of the orders issued by the Superintendent of Public Health on 13 March 2020, which were discussed here, the Department of Contracts, Malta’s central government authority, has issued a circular to all contracting authorities on how public procurement is to be conducted…[Read more]

COVID-19 and Public Procurement Remedies in Malta, 18 March 2020

Recent orders issued by Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health have directly impacted remedies available to bidders and interested parties…[Read more]

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Contractual issues

The impact of COVID-19 on contracts, 23 June 2020

Dr Max Ganado, a Senior Partner at Ganado Advocates participated in FinanceMalta’s online series #FMReachout, in which experts from different fields address different topics…[Read more]

Will COVID-19 Provoke A Radical Change In Malta’s Contract System?, 13 May 2020

Apart from the social contract guiding our state-citizen relationship, we have the many private and commercial contracts among ourselves. The modern concept of the social contract we often speak about seems to have emerged…[Read more]

How COVID-19 has Unmasked the Importance of the Social Contract and Mutual Trust, 8 May 2020

One of the first things we learn in the law course at University is the basic rule that contracts must be respected. We all know this intuitively as it is one of the core values in any social order – we must keep to our promises because otherwise no one will trust us, and we need trust…[Read more]

Contracts and COVID-19, 3 April 2020

One of the main concerns affecting everyone now is what happens to contracts negotiated and entered into before the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world in the way it has…[Read more]

Conducting Business Electronically in Testing Times, 25 March 2020

With many more individuals and businesses limited to conducting their affairs through electronic means as a result of the COVID-19 phenomenon, Paul Micallef Grimaud and Philip Formosa answer some salient questions on the legality of electronic commerce and contracts…[Read more]

Could COVID-19 trigger a ‘force majeure’ event under a Maltese law governed contract?, 23 March 2020

On 11 March 2020, the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 has been declared by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation to be a pandemic in view of its global spread and severity. There is no doubt that this ongoing pandemic is posing significant issues and challenges for businesses. As the restrictions on movement and international travel in Malta tighten…[Read more]

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Trusts and CSPs

MFSA Notice on Timing of Regulatory Reporting due to the Outbreak of COVID-19, 25 March 2020

On the 21st March, 2020 the MFSA published a circular it drew up the day before on the timing of certain regulatory reporting due by various licensed entities, licensed by the MFSA…[Read more]

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Data protection

COVID-19 Symptom Screening in the Workplace: Data Protection Implications and Restrictions, 7 April 2020

Although the responses to the threat posed by COVID-19 have varied from one country to another, a common thread between them has been the adoption of preventative measures designed to contain the spread of the virus as far as possible or, failing that, to at least slow it down and minimize the strain placed on local hospitals…[Read more]

GDPR in the time of COVID-19, 27 March 2020

The COVID-19 has clearly had a global impact, forcing many industries and businesses to shift their operations and services to remote-working in light of the various measures that have been adopted by governmental authorities in an attempt to contain the spread of this pandemic and ‘flatten the curve’…[Read more]

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Shipping and aviation

COVID-19 and its impact on the maritime industry’s long-term plans, 1 September 2020

Jan Rossi participated at ShipManagement International’s first digital Malta round table debate, that brought together key players from the local maritime scene to discuss the current situation and potential developments…[Read more]

Re-negotiating existing financing packages due to COVID-19, 11 June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis with far-reaching consequences, particularly for the shipping industry, an industry which was already facing challenges before the virus took hold around the world…[Read more]

Travel Ban Exemption on Transiting Yachts, 5 June 2020

As of 5 June 2020, an exception from the provisions of the Travel Ban (Extension to all Countries) Order, that came into effect as of 21 March 2020, shall come into force in relation to transiting yachts, with only crew…[Read more]

COVID-19 temporary precautionary measures – Framework of protocol for conducting maritime support services, 25 May 2020

On the 23rd May 2020, the Ports and Yachting Directorate within the Authority for Transport in Malta (the Maltese Port Authorities) published Port Notice 09/2020 entitled COVID-19 Temporary Precautionary Measures – Framework of Protocol for Conducting Maritime Support Services…[Read more]

Supporting Measures to the Maltese Shipping Industry during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 7 April 2020

Merchant Shipping Notice 160 was issued by the Malta Flag Administration on 3rd April 2020 and was addressed to Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives, and Recognised Organisations…[Read more]

The Impact of Measures Adopted by the Maltese Authorities on the Shipping Industry in Malta, 27 March 2020

Like other industries operating in and from the Maltese Islands, the shipping industry has been negatively impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 virus…[Read more]

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Environment

COVID-19: ERA issue temporary procedures in relation to the export of waste from Malta, 2 April 2020

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Environment and Resources Authority (the “Authority”) has adopted the following “temporary guidelines” in relation to the notification procedure for the transfrontier shipment…[Read more]

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Local measures

Repealing regulations relating to COVID-19, 17 June 2020

Additional legal notices have been published on 15 June 2020 repealing several suspension orders and regulations which were introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic…[Read more]

Lifting of restrictive measures relating to COVID-19, 5 June 2020

Following the announcement made on 1 June 2020 by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Health and the Superintendent of Public Health, the removal of additional measures relating to…[Read more]

Lifting of legal and judicial times’ suspension in relation to promise of sale agreements, 26 May 2020

Legal Notice 207 of 2020 entitled the Suspension of Legal Times relating to Promise of Sale Agreements, Notarial and other related matters (Epidemics and Infectious Disease) (Amendment) Order and Legal Notice 203 of 2020 entitled…[Read more]

Company Reconstructions Fund Regulations, 15 May 2020

Legal Notice 192 of 2020 entitled Companies Act (Company Reconstructions Fund) Regulations, 2020 (the “Regulations”) has been published to create and regulate the administration of a fund known as the Company Recovery Fund (the “Fund”)…[Read more]

Malta Imposes Caps on Retail Prices for Face Masks and Face Shields, 13 May 2020

On 4 May 2020, Malta has taken the step of imposing a maximum price for masks and face shields. By way of Order No. 1 published on Malta’s Government Gazette, the Director of Trade has ordered that “until further notice” retail prices of masks and face shields cannot exceed…[Read more]

Malta Government signals increased Economic Importance for Malta Passport Programme in COVID-19 climate, 5 May 2020

A new Legal Notice 161 of 2020 was recently published amending the principal regulations governing the Malta Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta (L.N. 47 of 2014), otherwise also known as the Malta Passport Programme (the “Programme“)…

Reopening of non-essential retail outlets, 5 May 2020

The government has announced, through the publication of a number of legal notices the lifting of certain COVID-19 restrictions, which restrictions shall be lifted effective Monday 4th May 2020…[Read more]

COVID-19: Suspension of Legal and Judicial Times Regulations, 13 April 2020

Following the indefinite closure of the Courts of Justice due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in terms of the Closure of the Courts of Justice Order, 2020 (as amended by Legal Notice 97 of 2020), the Maltese Government has recently adopted…[Read more]

Street Hawking of Local Agricultural Produce in the time of COVID-19: Temporary Licensing and Distance Rules, 13 April 2020

Following amendments in 2017, the Trading Licences regime in Malta was re-focused to apply to a leaner list of commercial activities taking place in Malta. Street Hawking remained one of the few activities requiring a licence in terms of this regime such that one cannot act as a street hawker…[Read more]

Social Welfare Service Emergency Licences, 13 April 2020

In testing times where everyone is ‘mobilising’ to do their part to battle COVID-19, our legislator has taken cognisance of those who are willing and already equipped to provide certain care services…[Read more]

COVID-19: Measures to tackle non-essential travel between Malta and Gozo, 2 April 2020

As a further measure to tackle the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Malta has now issued Legal Notice 118 of 2020, i.e. the Mandatory Non-essential Travel between Malta and Gozo Order…[Read more]

COVID-19: Specific crowd control measures introduced, 31 March 2020

Following an announcement made by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri during a press conference held on 30 March 2020, the Government of Malta has issued two interrelated legal notices aimed at deterring the congregation of individuals in public places…[Read more]

The Protection of Vulnerable Persons Order 2020, 30 March 2020

In an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 amongst those deemed most vulnerable, the Superintendent of Public Health (by virtue of the powers vested in her in terms of the Public Health Act) has now adopted a targeted approach to “lock-down” via the issuance of Legal Notice 111 of 2020, i.e. the Protection of Vulnerable Persons Order, 2020 (the “Order”)…[Read more]

The Public Health Amendment Act (Act X of 2020), 26 March 2020

On the 25th March 2020, the Maltese parliament enacted Act X of 2020 (the “Amending Act”) intended to amend the Public Health Act (the “Principal Act”), in so far as a new proviso was added to article 27 of the Principal Act (which article grants certain powers to the Superintendent of Public Health including that of making orders)…[Read more]

Additional restrictive measures introduced in light of COVID-19, 24 March 2020

New additional restrictive measures have been announced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry for Health during a press conference which was held on Sunday 22 March 2020, which measures shall be effective as from Monday 23rd March at 8:00am. The additional measures comprise…[Read more]

COVID-19: Malta Enterprise extends deadlines for MicroInvest and Gozo Transport Schemes, 20 March 2020

On the 19th March 2020, Malta Enterprise announced the extension of submission deadlines for two separate schemes due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic…[Read more]

Government announces closure of public places in an attempt to contain COVID-19 outbreak, 19 March 2020

In a continued effort to ensure that the current situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is contained and that contagion is limited as much as possible, the Government has published the following legal notices relating to closure of places open… [Read more]

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General 

Lex Mundi Report: COVID-19 Government Support Measures, 15 April 2020

As the Lex Mundi member firm for Malta, Ganado Advocates prepared a snapshot of the policies implemented and announced for the Lex Mundi’s Report on the COVID-19 Government Support Measures…[Read more]

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Firm news

UPDATE – COVID-19: Remote working measures, 27 March 2020

GANADO Advocates has continued to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and to observe the Public Health officials’ recommendations. Our priority continues to be the safety of our members and clients. In view of this, Ganado Advocates offices will now remain closed until further notice…[Read more]

COVID-19: Remote working measures, 12 March 2020

As COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) continues to impact the global and local community, we would like to inform our esteemed clientele that effective from Monday 16th, Ganado Advocates will be putting in place remote working measures. In the current environment, the health and safety of everyone…[Read more]

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Our dedicated team

Matthew Bianchi 

Matthew Brincat

Simon Schembri