We, the undersigned, citizens of the Republic of Malta, are enraged at the amendments to the Malta Citizenship Act passed by the Maltese Parliament in November 2013 establishing a scheme, known as the Individual Investor Programme, for the sale of Maltese citizenship to any person for the price of 650,000 euros.

We strongly believe that Maltese citizenship should not be for sale and granted to anyone who has no commitment to our country as evidenced by a reasonable period of residence, direct significant investment and prolonged community participation in Malta. We also believe that monetary consideration does not necessarily attract people of good character. Moreover, in order to eliminate a conflict of interest, due diligence on applicants must be carried out by Malta Government authorities and not subcontracted to the same private organisation which is engaged to promote the scheme.

ACTION PETITIONED FOR: We, the undersigned, therefore, call upon the Government of Malta to review the scheme with a view to: (a) reaching consensus with the Opposition; (b) adopting eligibility criteria requiring financial investment and a reasonable period of residence; (c) taking on responsibility for due diligence in relation to applications for citizenship; and (d) publishing the names of applicants before citizenship is granted as part of the due diligence process.

[Petition organised by Maltese Pride Committee]

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - SIGN OUR PETITION IF YOU ARE A CITIZEN OF MALTA