The Directorate for Consular services and Maltese living abroad has a wide range of responsibilities, including providing consular services and supporting Maltese citizens, particularly when they are in emergency or crisis situations, such as in the case of lost travel documents, or repatriations. The Directorate offers travel advice, as well as designs projects for Maltese communities abroad, such as the setting up of Maltese libraries abroad, online courses in Maltese as a foreign language for people of Maltese descent, and the coordination of the Consul on the move initiative.

The Directorate also supports the Council for the Maltese living abroad, which is regulated by Chapter 515 of the laws of the Republic of Malta (Act XX of 2011), and is composed of 21 Maltese council members from around the world. This Directorate operates in close collaboration with the Council, and plays a key role in its administrative work including ensuring that nominations of new councillors are made in accordance with legal procedures, organising Council meetings, and implementing the themes and priorities arising from these discussions.

The Council has the task of monitoring the quality of life of Maltese overseas communities, strengthening the links between the diaspora and the political, cultural, economic, and social life of Malta, ensuring the protection of the rights of Maltese communities, while also raising diaspora-related issues with the relevant Maltese authorities.

During the month of October, the Council met in Malta for the 17th annual meeting. In attendance were the Council Chairperson, the Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, Council members, and officials from the Directorate. During the meeting, discussions focused on the issues which Maltese communities face abroad and the Council’s work for the upcoming year. Among some of the topics tackled were the promotion of Maltese culture and language. During the annual meeting, the Working Holiday for Youths of Maltese Descent scheme was also launched. This scheme is targeted towards youths of Maltese descent between the ages of 18-30. This scheme will facilitate the visa application process, allowing applicants to work, study and explore Malta and their roots.