Because some expatriates still love Malta
Despite the shortcomings they may encounter, many foreign nationals living in Malta still speak from the heart of the island as their home. Their optimism persists despite an International Expat Insider survey that ranked Malta 50th out of 59 countries for the best places to stay.
It was the second time in two years that the island has been ranked in the top 10 since it was first included in the survey in 2015. That period saw a gradual slide for Malta in the good graces of the expatriates who voted: seven. years ago it was ranked in the third best place to live.
But while admitting that they sometimes had a problem with the island’s shortcomings, expatriates who spoke to them Times of Malta said there is still a lot to love about living here.
‘No Dealbreakers’
Charlotta Palmroos, from Finland, has been living permanently in Malta for only eight months, and chose to resettle after visiting a flower girl in a novel.
“I’ve never stayed in a hotel or a tourist area, so I think I have a pretty good idea of what everyday life is like in the community here,” she said.
Admitting that it was a bit of an adjustment to the transition from the way things are done in Finland, she is determined to embrace the Maltese lifestyle.
“In the beginning nothing came out as negative for me, but over time I started to notice the negatives as well. But so far I have not found any dealbreakers and I am still ready to change my high standard of living in Scandinavia for this colorful Maltese life, ”she said.
“The only issues that bother me personally are the amount of rubbish left out and the cost of living quite high.
“I hope that the housing market will stabilize in the coming years as my partner and I are looking forward to buying our first home in Malta.”
She said that the atmosphere kept her coming back to Malta.
“The Maltese are probably among the kindest people I have ever met, and although I am saddened that some have allowed racism to flourish among them, there are many Maltese who still appreciate friends and family and welcome foreigners with open arms.
“It’s like the sun of the Mediterranean living in the Maltese people, and as a Finn, it’s something I’ve never seen in any country.”
She added that while no country is perfect, she understood others who were frustrated when dealing with persistent issues such as housing.
‘Things get better’
Bulgarian citizen Adam Kern, who moved to Malta from the Costa del Sol in 2018, said the country had ticked all his boxes.
“I was looking for something new, and after someone called me Malta, I did my research and basically went three weeks later,” he said.
“I love living here. The island is beautiful, the weather is perfect, there are many things to do, there are many foreigners, beautiful beaches, many places to visit and enjoy a really low crime rate.
“But on the other hand, expensive housing, cost of living and corruption have been persistent issues.”
Kern moved to Florida after experiencing housing problems but returned to Malta nine months later. “At least here I don’t have to worry about a visa,” he said.
“But things seem to be getting better lately and there have been some positive changes. They’re regulating things that weren’t in the past, and if you’re having an issue like getting scammed by the landlord, you can just report them. Before there was really anyone you could go to for help. Malta can have a bright future after all, let’s hope so. “
‘Very safe here’
Coming from the United Kingdom, Emma Smart said that one of the things that attracted her to Malta was a feeling of security.
“I chose to come to Malta after a holiday here. I found it quiet, beautiful and full of tradition, and the Maltese people are gentle, soothing and down to earth, ”she said.
“I like to live here because everything is relaxed and I feel safe, even as a single woman. The job is easy to find and the rent is reasonable. Although groceries and everyday items are sometimes expensive. ”
She said that one of the most challenging things she encountered was navigating the paperwork to sort out her paperwork.
“Since I am not from an EU country, things are not very well explained and are sometimes confusing. There are many different and difficult to figure out departments. I understand why, however, and I feel bad that the Maltese are being priced, ”she said.
I feel bad that the Maltese are being priced
“When I look at each country, everyone has their own problems, but I know the right choices are usually made in the end.”
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