Law and order

● Scanning process at Freeport to be replicated in Grand Harbour ● Surplus would still be achieved without funds from IIP scheme ● Local research to be carried out on financial impact of domestic violence

As from next year, it will no longer be possible to pay in cash for over €10,000 when buying property, cars, boats and yachts, diamonds, precious stones and art, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said during the 2020 budget speech.

Malta is one of the few countries where it is customary to rely heavily on cash, which many times is a symptom of tax evasion, he explained.

With regard to illegal immigration, the introduction of an Information Service Unit will be studied. This will see a team of professionals providing information, and help, to persons seeking refuge, so as they can better integrate into Maltese society.

This team will also be able to provide information concerning the Assisted Voluntary Return, whereby immigrants are helped to return to their countries with the help of government and NGOs.

Work will continue to establish the Integration Academy, which will offer services to those that will be obliged to follow an integration programme.

Moneyval report Financial Organised Crimes Agency to be established

Speaking about the Moneyval report, Scicluna said that the government has made a detailed plan as to how institutions are going to implement the recommendations. A new agency will be established, to be known as the Financial Organised Crimes Agency.

This agency will complement the Economic Crimes Unit that falls within the remit of the police corps. Such structures are found in countries around the world, so much so that as part of the restructuring of Malta’s institutions, aid is being provided from other authorities in the world, including the UK and the USA.

Only a brief mention was afforded to the IIP scheme, with Scicluna saying that a public consultation was carried out to improve it in the future. The programme is beneficial to the Maltese economy and is similar to what other countries in the EU and other regions have done, he said.

Contrary to what some believe, Scicluna said the government saves a big part of the funds gained from the scheme to invest through the National Fund for Economic and Social Development.

A surplus is still achieved even after deducting the funds emitting from the IIP, which is proof of the suitable economic model that is government is adopting, he noted.

Digital technology to be further introduced in the judicial system

The justice reform that has been ongoing for the past few years has resulted in the reduction of pending cases from 26,650 in 2012 to 22,510 in the past six years.

Next year will see the government continue to work on the separation of functions of the attorney general. After Parliament approved the law that established the Office of the State Advocate, which acts as a consultant to the government, the next step is to give this office more prosecutorial functions.

Further digital technology will be introduced, and made use of, throughout the judicial system, to lead to justice being served in less time. The promotion of mediation as an alternative solution to disputes in order to reduce the number of cases in court, when possible, is being promoted.

Police corps - prosecution to be independent of investigation

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) will continue to be modernised with the continuation of the purchase of an offshore patrol vessel, built according to the army’s specifications. Investment will also take place with the purchase of sophisticated equipment for the Special Operations Unit, as well as several infrastructural projects.

The Investigations Department within the police corps will be operating from a new, modern building as from next year. New offices will also be built for the prosecution section, with the aim of having a prosecuting team that is not part of the investigation, according to the recommendations made by the Venice Commission. This should result in investigators spending less time in court and more time dedicated to investigations.

A X-ray tunnel and two machines for luggage scanning will be purchased for customs purposes. The processing of scanning in the Freeport will also be replicated in the Grand Harbour.

A seven-year programme has been put together for the Civil Protection Department to meet international standards and its obligations, which are increasing. The plan looks at the need for human resources, the building of new stations which are anti-seismic, as well as the purchase of modern vehicles equipped with the latest technology.

It will see better knowledge related to fire, be better equipped to deal with high buildings, a new maritime fleet, big bowsers of water to eliminate the dependency on private operators, as well as a new Disaster Management System.

The prison, as well as the forensic unit at Mount Carmel Hospital, will be refurbished. The work will be carried out by the prisoners themselves, for which work they will be paid.

More vehicles will be purchased to facilitate the transportation of prisoners to and from hospital, court, and other places, as well as to modernise the fleet.

The Psychology Unit will be strengthened and new programmes will be introduced to minimise recidivism. Specialised training will be provided to workers in the Probation and Parole Department, which will see a new programme launched focused on young offenders.

New law to be passed to ensure equality is a fundamental human right

A National Commission for Human Rights and Equality will be established, which will be independent of the government, while answering to Parliament. It will have more powers to fight against any discriminatory acts.

A new law regarding equality will be drafted to ensure equality for everyone, and in all aspects will be a fundamental human right.

A strategy and action plan will be implemented for the integration of equality between genders in several sectors, including education, health, justice, work, financial independence, work balance, private and family life. It will also ensure equal access and opportunities for positions in authority for men and women.

Speaking about vulnerable persons, Scicluna said that professional services, in the form of exit programmes, will be made available for those persons who voluntarily seek the necessary help to leave prostitution.

The national strategy on human trafficking, which is underway, will see its implementation over the next five years. The first part of the strategy will see the strengthening of government structures responsible for the coordination of the politics against human trafficking, as well as working on laws intended to prevent human trafficking, and facilities for victims that seek help.

Local research will be launched into the financial impact of domestic violence on victims as well as the Maltese economy.