New I.D. card rules

georgeingozo wrote:

rooikat wrote:

Ok - got the gist of biometric, it appears that the Maltese interpretation of biometric varies according to which card it is used for

They've defined by functionality not by actual usage

I knew I was going to be taken up on the word usage I couldn't think of a better one at the time,  functionality would be correct

:-)

supposedly Maltese citizens will have the same cards (although hopefully not the same procedure for issuing them)

I just want to thank everyone on here for sharing their experiences, it's been the only way to keep on top of all the chaos.

We are third country nationals, we applied at the very end of May. At that point we handed in our old ID cards and received a blue receipt with our photos and a letter giving us permission to remain in Malta until August 31st, 2013. Since it was such a battle to simply submit our applications our residency had already expired in early May. So we crossed our fingers and hoped we wouldn't get booted out of the EU (we have to travel a lot for work)!

No sign of a letter in the past week got us pretty worried, so we went to the Evans building on Monday morning. They now have split queues for EU and Non-EU nationals - very helpful for us as there are fewer people in the non-EU line. And they even have a (helpful) receptionist for each queue. There is a security guy at the front of the queue also who tries to keep things somewhat orderly. There is a guy with a computer as well who can check the status of your application. We told him our situation and that we had to fly on Thursday, so he checked the application and said he would call or email us that afternoon to tell us what the status was. We waited and waited and were not at all surprised to hear nothing.

So we went again this morning. He was unapologetic about not getting in touch, but checked our files once again and I guess they had changed status and were pending approval. So maybe our visit yesterday did change something. He sent me to room 25 to tell them that it's ready. I did so, they checked and tried to send me back to him as they said it isn't ready yet, but I stubbornly wouldn't let them fob me off... told them my story and the lady in the back luckily took our papers. Within an hour we walked out the door with our new cards.

Much to my amusement, the card "date of issue" states May 31st, 2013!!

I am so relieved to finally have this over with.

Hi senf,

I'm glad you finally made it to your cards.

I think all cards are dated from the date of application as our's were too. We applied in January and received them recently. My partner is also non-EU .

Your post is really great info as it gives quite some insite into applications of non-EU citizens and the timelines they have.

Just one question ! How long are your residency cards valid?

Thanks for giving all of us the info. It helps a lot to give advice.

Cheers
Ricky

Good to hear a positive story - and that there is light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.....

or is it another guy just bringing another computer that says NO

Hey Ricky, our cards are only valid for one year, but hopefully the renewal process next year will be quicker and easier... I'm such an optimist

We picked up our cards yesterday.
Valid for 5 years. EU nationals.
The Evans building was a mess. The crowd control less then sufficient. Still a lot of pushing and shoving going on. Stressed out receptionists trying to do their best, but all they really need is a number machine. Maybe they could lend the one form the butcher's at Pavi? Now there's a thought!
Glad to have our cards though!

Hi Seat,

congratulations!

Do they at least separate the crowds applying from those 'just' collecting the card?

Cheers
Ricky

Well, there are two reception desks. We were lucky to have taken the wrong entry into the building, thereby mistakingly bypassing the main queue. We came to one of the receptions and she sent us to room 25 straight away.
The main queue, which leads to the main reception desk is very very slow. Many people with all kinds of problems and also a lot of asylum seekers who should come on Fridays, but try their luck anyway.
I can advise everyone to just take the back entrance, take the stairs down to the basement and just walk past the reception into the corridor to your right, where you will find room 25. They take your form and get your card for you.

A good read and great information on this post.

well well well...just had a phone call from the MHAS asking for copies of our passports in order to process our applications..... yet no mention of this on the following british guidance pages supplied by BHC in association with the BRA

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati … s-in-malta

which leads to

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s … _Malta.pdf

"Documentation requirements for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
a) If you already hold a Registration Certificate you need only present/hand-in or post the
appropriate application form, a certified copy of your Registration Certificate + Form ID1A
and + ID2 and two passport photos duly certified. There is no requirement at this time for
people already holding a Registration Certificate to present proof of cover for healthcare
costs. Original Registration Certificate and existing IDs will have to be handed in when
you collect your eResidence Card"

clearly the staff at MHAS are sticking rigidly to the application forms.....as there is no mention on form J about the holders of an existing residency certificate

reluctantly scanned and sent them to the MHAS

was the copy of your passport they had on file expired since applying last time ?

nope

It might be they would still process your application without it, but it would be delayed until they found your old file (which is at a different government department)

Did you ask why their own website states you dont need to provide the paperwork again ?

So typical. I think they are forgetting that you don't 'apply' it's just a stupid card. They make me so angry!

georgeingozo wrote:

It might be they would still process your application without it, but it would be delayed until they found your old file (which is at a different government department)

Did you ask why their own website states you dont need to provide the paperwork again ?

yes i did - but she was not interested in what the website said - only interested in what the form said.?????

toonarmy9752 wrote:

georgeingozo wrote:

It might be they would still process your application without it, but it would be delayed until they found your old file (which is at a different government department)

Did you ask why their own website states you dont need to provide the paperwork again ?

yes i did - but she was not interested in what the website said - only interested in what the form said.?????

The form is the same as the old one, they don't have one for exsisting permit holders. I know it says 'replacement' but so did the old form!

coxf0001 wrote:

toonarmy9752 wrote:

georgeingozo wrote:

It might be they would still process your application without it, but it would be delayed until they found your old file (which is at a different government department)

Did you ask why their own website states you dont need to provide the paperwork again ?

yes i did - but she was not interested in what the website said - only interested in what the form said.?????

The form is the same as the old one, they don't have one for exsisting permit holders. I know it says 'replacement' but so did the old form!

exactly but the BHC in association with the BRA and the DEPT FOR CITIZENSHIP AND EX PAT AFFAIRS - makes it quite clear that all you need to present is the old cert and id card...... ACCORDING TO THIS DOCUMENT https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s … _Malta.pdf

toonarmy9752 wrote:

exactly but the BHC in association with the BRA and the DEPT FOR CITIZENSHIP AND EX PAT AFFAIRS - makes it quite clear that all you need to present is the old cert and id card...... ACCORDING TO THIS DOCUMENT https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s … _Malta.pdf

the ministrys own website states it as well

not exactly following their own procedures then!!!!!!

I've noticed this a lot, they don't have the ability to question. Either they can't be bothered/interested or simply missing that part to question! It's like they are sheep!

I have no axe to grind with the front-line staff but the management team and those responsible for training in what is currently a high profile system leave a lot to be desired.....especially with the recent spate of bad press and what appears to be failed attempts to rectify things.....

we are in our 21st week now and thats them just catching up to that point in may 2013.... and with several reminders from my end too......

anyway we shall see now how long it takes to get a notification of "cards ready".... and then whether or not they really are!!!

I've just heard from someone who applied in person 4 weeks ago, that they were told today their card is ready

Sorry to digress, but apart from the whole eResidency application procedure, do you need to go to the town hall/local council to register yourself/indicate that you will be living in their locality (and as such, in Malta)? Or is the social security number just enough as a proof of registration in Malta?

Hi nilonilonilo,

that is exactly what you are doing to get the e-residence document!

It is registering as a resident in Malta.

Getting a social security number does not count as proof of residency. You need a ss number if you work in Malta or pay contributions as self-employed.

For example if your are economically self-sufficient you don't get yourself a social security number.

Cheers
Ricky

Thats a pain toon, did they ask you to provide proof of income and health cover too or just a copy of your passports?

thats the puzzling and silly thing .... they had everything and its the same passports we had when we did it the first time round when we got our residency certificates 5 yrs ago so it wasnt required this time...... hmmm OIM

toonarmy9752 wrote:

thats the puzzling and silly thing .... they had everything and its the same passports we had when we did it the first time round when we got our residency certificates 5 yrs ago so it wasnt required this time...... hmmm OIM

I wonder why they just asked for a copy of the passports then and not the other things that the form says are needed, seems a bit odd, its neither a fresh application or a renewal, its somewhere inbetween, oh well, hopefully you will get your cards soon, fortunately we put in copies of our passports because mine had been renewed so I put a copy of the old and new one, a copy of my husband's one which was the same as before and had them certified, hope this satifies the Department.

well we shall see - as you are meant to only have to supply the copy of your old card and the old residency certificate nothing else......... so it is indeed strange..... but as GnG says its probably in another dept........ and theyre too damned lazy to get them and have them avaialble where they are required to process applications properly... OIM

Hello,

Does anyone know anything about PIN numbers related to new e-ID cards?? What are they used for and when?

Many thank's
Tanya

tanya102 wrote:

Hello,

Does anyone know anything about PIN numbers related to new e-ID cards?? What are they used for and when?

Many thank's
Tanya

The idea is that you will be able to access Malta government sites to pay your tax etc.
However how or if it works I don't know as every time I've tried it says you have to apply for a PIN or code from the Malta government website and apply in person.
I guess as its all different departments they will not be joined up yet (if ever).

Terry

Thank you very much!

Now this will be interesting as its to combine a number of depts....

"Party spokesman on Home Affairs Jason Azzopardi said that the Prime Minister ordered the setting up of Identity Malta, which will administer all-information related to the Passport Office, the ID department, the Public Register, the Lands Register and work permits, among others. "


http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/ … um=twitter

toonarmy9752 wrote:

Now this will be interesting as its to combine a number of depts....

"Party spokesman on Home Affairs Jason Azzopardi said that the Prime Minister ordered the setting up of Identity Malta, which will administer all-information related to the Passport Office, the ID department, the Public Register, the Lands Register and work permits, among others. "


http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/ … um=twitter

But not in my lifetime !!!!

you going somewhere or am i being optimistic

tanya102 wrote:

Hello,

Does anyone know anything about PIN numbers related to new e-ID cards?? What are they used for and when?

Many thank's
Tanya

I believe it's for e-ID (the method of digital signature, you can find the details on mygov.mt), but when I mentioned that I already have one connected to my ID, the department ignore it.

I am not sure if it works with new ID and PIN, but for old one I use for 2 years already.

Quite useful, by the way You can sign the tax return, establish the company and file all reports for it etc.

toonarmy9752 wrote:

you going somewhere or am i being optimistic

I'm always going somewhere!!

I have had an email from MHAS saying I can collect my interim receipt from Evans Building

What is an interim receipt?

(The email also said she was processing my application)

Thats just under 3 months from sending a postal application, with no chasing

i think its the temp application receipt to say you have applied for it....dont get too excited though

Had you already received an email acknowledging your postal application social?  We received one and it said that unless our application was incomplete that they would be sending out a personalised letter to say our cards would be ready to pick up, it didnt say anything about collecting an interim receipt. I just wonder if that is still valid or if they are changing the procedure.