1) Malta is a Party to the 1980 Hague Convention.

The 1980 Hague Convention: a multilateral treaty, which provides procedural guidelines on the return of children and their protection in cases of international parental child abduction.

Contact the Central Authority established in Malta for cases of child abduction.

2) Malta is a Party to the 1996 Hague Convention.

The 1996 Hague Convention: a multilateral treaty, which determines jurisdiction, applicable law, co-operation in respect of parental responsibility and access rights, as well as civil and public measures for the protection or care of children. 

Contact the Central Authority established in Malta for cases of dispute concerning cross-border parental responsibilities and rights of contact with children.

3) Malta is a Party to the Brussels IIA Regulation.

Brussels IIA: a legal instrument of the European Union to help resolve family disputes involving more than one country, over divorce, all parental responsibilities and, in particular, the custody of children. Brussels IIA is a regulation applicable to all European Union Member states (except Denmark). The regulation prevails over the 1996 Hague Convention in cases where the child’s habitual residence is within a European Union Member state (except Denmark). Please be aware that if a decision on access and/or custody rights is taken by a court from the European Union, the regulation foresees that a State Party to the 1996 Hague Convention must recognise the court decision.

Contact the Central Authority established in Malta designated under the 1996 Hague Convention for cases of dispute concerning cross-border parental responsibilities and rights of contact with children.

You can determine whether countries relevant to your case are Parties, or not, to the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, the 1996 Hague Convention on Child Protection and/or Brussels IIA (except Denmark) in order to locate the appropriate central authority. As for the 1980 Hague Convention, you can check whether the Convention is in force between two specific States in the Spreadsheet showing acceptances of accessions to the Child Abduction Convention.

The Legal Aid Malta Agency provides legal aid to those who cannot afford to pay for private legal services. You can check the assessment criteria to see if your case is eligible and look on required documents for an application for legal aid.

Aditus Foundation offers pro bono legal services to persons encountering difficulties in securing their human rights. The foundation provides information and advice in various themes such as family reunification, employment, civil status, and discrimination. You can contact them directly here.

Aġenzija Appoġġ is a national agency providing free-of-charge psycho-social services to children and families in difficulties as well as in cases of domestic violence. The agency also offers Positive Parenting programmes that support parents to develop their parenting skills. You can contact its head office directly here.

Caritas Malta, within its Counselling and Social Work Unit, provides families with social work assistance and psychological counselling services through workshops and support groups. You can contact Caritas Malta directly here.

Women Rights Foundation is a voluntary organisation, which provides free legal advice and initial legal representation to women who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and discriminated against due to their gender. You can contact them directly here.

MGRM is a non-governmental organisation that offers Social Work Services supporting and informing individuals and families who identify themselves as a part of the LGBTIQ community.

Aġenzija Appoġġ is a national agency providing free-of-charge psycho-social services to children and families in difficulties as well as in cases of domestic violence. You can contact its head office directly here.

Free Childcare Scheme is an initiative where the government provides free childcare services to parents/guardians who are in employment or are pursuing their education, with the aim to help families achieve a work-life balance. The childcare service is either provided directly through government services or through Registered Childcare Centres to parents/guardians that have a child from 3 months up to 3 years of age.

The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) is a non-profit association of independent children’s rights institutions (click on Malta in the list of country-members).

Home-Start Malta is a non-profit organisation providing home-visiting and practical assistance to parents with young children under 5 years of age. Its volunteers provide free-of-charge and confidential support to parents.

The Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS) manages reception facilities and provides information and orientation in the area of employment, housing, health, welfare and education to asylum seekers.

The Jesuit Refugee Service in Malta (JRS Malta) specialises in the field of legal assistance and social work services (including health care and psychological support) to asylum seekers and refugees. The JRS Malta team includes lawyers, social workers, nurses, priests, religious and cultural mediators. Assistance is provided regardless of race, ethnic origin or religious belief. You can contact the JRS Malta directly here.

Aditus Foundation offers pro bono legal information and advice to refugees. The foundation provides information and assistance in various themes such as asylum applications and appeals, Dublin III, documentation, family reunification, employment, civil status, and discrimination. You can contact them directly here.

Malta Emigrants' Commission is a non-governmental non-profit organisation, which offers free social services and counselling to migrants, mixed couples and refugees.

The People for Change Foundation (PfC) is a Malta-based human rights think tank providing advice to asylum seekers and their lawyers, particularly those facing return to Malta under the Dublin III system. You can contact them directly here.

Kopin (Koperazzjoni Internazzjonali) is a non-governmental organisation providing social and educational services to asylum-seeking children and women. These services apply a child and human rights-based approach. You can contact them directly here.