What made you decide to move to Malta?

Well, my wife moved to Malta in 2012 and we were married in 2013. My wife works as a nurse and moved to Malta before me. I previously worked in the high courts in Pakistan and wanted to work in a similar role here. So I approached the Ministry for Justice and they sent me to the University to study. I started with a Masters’ in European business law, however I later dropped out because it was beyond my knowledge – and started from scratch with common European law.

What do you enjoy about living in Malta?

The best thing about Malta, for me, is the living conditions. In Pakistan, it isn’t very good and there’s an element of lawlessness there. For me, the Maltese people are very welcoming and I like how peaceful it is here. Everything is nearby, you don’t have to drive for hours and the police here are good and enforce the law well.

What do you think could be improved about Malta?

I moved here and got a job right away though when I approached various government ministries to enquire about transferring my law license to Malta, I was sent to the University of Malta.

I think that people who move here with a visa should have access to reduced university fees. Being a third-country national, the university charged me the full amount of €8,500 per year. In my opinion, fees should be lower for residents from outside the EU who have work permits.

Do you think that the actions of migrants are scrutinised more so than the actions of locals?

It’s true, the Maltese are treated at a different level. Sometimes the Maltese think they are kings and say ‘go back to your own country’. I will point out though that it is a small minority of Maltese who say and do these things. The vast majority are very welcoming. I love Malta and have only ever wanted to contribute to the economy and to the social scene here.

What is your opinion on the state of migration laws and processes for those planning to move to Malta?

For non-EU citizens, Malta is the best option for them. There are lots of jobs and opportunities. It doesn’t matter whether it’s skilled or unskilled labour.

What are the biggest concerns among the Pakistani community here in Malta?

The biggest issue is a proper forum for non-EU residents and expats. For example, there isn’t a Pakistani embassy in Malta and nor is there a Maltese embassy in Pakistan.  My brother also wanted to bring his wife here – she’s a nurse working as a care-worker so she’d be able to get a job working here quite easily. To apply to move to Malta, he had to go to the United Arab Emirates or Italian embassy in Pakistan. They have delegated power to approve our visas.

I’ve worked closely with the Pakistani communitym working all-day-and-night, receiving messages for support and help. Helping families to get their children enrolled into the education system, with ID application processes. It never ends.

Which NGOs offer advice, help and assistance to migrants?

I didn’t receive any help from NGOs or voluntary organisations. My wife got a job here and then was in touch with someone to assist with my spousal VISA.  We paid approximately €5,000 to a company which I shall not name. When I eventually moved to Malta, I went to Identity Malta to swap my visa. I was given a blue paper to live here. Living as a family member.