Top identità officials step down

The two highest-ranking government officials responsible for identità (formerly Identity Malta) have stepped down with immediate effect, leaving industry insiders concerned about the reasons behind their sudden and coordinated departure.

Sources at the agency, responsible among other tasks for issuing residency visas and job permits to third-country nationals, told The Shift that no formal reason has been given for the resignation of CEO Steve Agius and his Deputy, Paula Cauchi Meachen.

The two were appointed to the agency in 2024 by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.

In a terse statement, the government announced Agius’ departure, but provided no information on Cauchi Meachen’s resignation.

Sources said the brother of former Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius had been complaining for weeks about the pressure from outside the agency and was making it clear to close aides that he was growing increasingly frustrated with the situation.

Cauchi Meachen, his assistant and Deputy CEO, described as an inexperienced but diligent worker, was also facing significant pressure to expedite certain job permits for specific employers, including businessmen in the construction industry.

Yet many were surprised by the pair’s sudden departure, which came less than two years after they started leading the agency.

Identità has been associated with several scandals in recent years, particularly related to the issues of visas, residency, and job permits.

Rackets have been uncovered over the years, leading to the dismissal of a significant number of high-ranking officials, while others have faced criminal charges in Court.

According to the government, Colonel Edric Zahra, until a few days ago the Deputy Commander of the AFM, will be replacing Agius.

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s Chief of Staff, Mark Mallia, also served as CEO of identità and Deputy Commander of the AFM until he took his current position as the Prime Minister’s chief aide.

The Shift is informed that Agius will be returning to a position within the Health Ministry.

Cauchi Meachen, a former ONE TV reporter, was Minister Chris Fearne’s right-hand until his resignation in May 2024.