TransparencyOversight & ethics enforcement
Maltese government agencies ignored the Ombudsman's findings against them a record 22 times in a single year.
Confidence: Confirmed · 3 sourcesMalta · Oct 12, 2026
Subject of this story
Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment
Identità
Also named
Oversight
Office of the Ombudsman (Malta)
What happened
Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon's 2025 annual report, presented in mid-2026, found state entities flatly refused to act on the Ombudsman's findings in 22 cases - up from 16 in 2024 and 14 in 2023 - forcing escalation directly to Parliament. The Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment was the most complained-about part of government, generating 126 of the office's 625 complaints in 2025 (an 11% rise), with its Identità identity-and-residency agency alone drawing 38 complaints. 'Undue delay and outright failure to act' was the most common confirmed form of maladministration, rising to 33% of justified cases from 16 the previous year.
Sources (3)
NewsbookState entities flatly refused to act on the Ombudsman's findings in 22 cases, forcing escalation directly to Parliament.
NewsbookThe ministry for home affairs, security and employment is by far the most complained-about part of government.
Office of the Ombudsman, Malta - Annual Report 2025Annual report presented to Parliament by Ombudsman Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, July 2, 2026.
Response
Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment
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Identità
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What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.