President meets Maltese diaspora representatives
Maltese diaspora, President of Malta, San Anton Palace
San Anton, 10 October 2025 — President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, welcomed members of the Council for Maltese Living Abroad during a courtesy visit held at San Anton Palace.
Following an amendment to Act XX of 2011, which regulates the Council, the number of members increased from 15 to 21. This expansion has allowed, for the first time, representation of the Maltese diaspora from every continent. The Council members are currently in Malta for the 17th Annual Meeting of the Council for Maltese Living Abroad.
During the meeting held on Thursday morning, the President highlighted the members’ diverse professional backgrounds, ranging from education, pharmacy, medicine, business, law, banking, and sport, to the arts and creative sectors. She praised their dedication and encouraged them to continue nurturing and strengthening the bond between Malta and Maltese communities across the world.
Her Excellency noted that many Maltese who live abroad—both those born in Malta and their descendants—continue to hold deep affection for the Maltese language and actively engage in initiatives that preserve Malta’s culture, traditions, and values, even thousands of kilometres away from the islands. The President also emphasised that Malta enjoys a strong international reputation, thanks in part to the positive contribution of Maltese citizens and their families who have built successful lives overseas.
In her remarks, Ms Chirelle Ellul Sciberras, Director for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad, outlined the ongoing work being carried out to address the needs and requests of Maltese citizens residing abroad. She explained that, during the Council’s Annual General Meeting, members agreed to establish specialised subcommittees to focus on matters of interest to the Maltese diaspora, ensuring that common challenges are discussed and practical solutions developed.
Among the new initiatives launched is a scheme aimed at young people aged 18 to 30 who live abroad and are of Maltese descent. This programme will enable them to apply for a Work and Holiday Visa in Malta, allowing participants to work, travel, and explore their Maltese heritage while deepening their connection with the country.
The President expressed her gratitude to the members for their contribution to maintaining Malta’s good name abroad and reaffirmed her support for continued collaboration with the Maltese diaspora in promoting the nation’s values, language, and traditions worldwide.
The Council members in attendance were:
Mr Joseph A. Xerri – Secretary
Ms Amie Cardona – State of Victoria, Australia
Ms Judith Buhagiar – State of Victoria, Australia
Mr Antoine Mangion – State of New South Wales, Australia
Ms Miriam Friggieri – State of New South Wales, Australia
Ms Alexandra Micallef – Australia
Dr Edgar Brincat – United Kingdom
Mr James N. Casha – United Kingdom
Dr Loredana Gatt – Italy
Ms Sarah Meli – Canada
Ms Giselle Sherri-Migliore – Canada
Mr Bernard Portelli – Asia
Mr Philip Mamo – North Africa
Mr Matthew Ciantar – Europe (excluding Malta)
Mr Umberto D’Amico – Europe (excluding Malta)
Mr David Galea – United Arab Emirates
Ms Doreen Gatt – Canada
Ms Debbie Gatt Ghiglieri – United States of America
Also present for the courtesy visit were the team from the Department led by Ms Chirelle Ellul Sciberras, Director for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad, and Dr Rachel Powell, Coordinator within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade.
Photos: OPR
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