Immigration Day 2026

Monday, 27 April 2026
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Girolamo Cassar Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre
Refreshments: Coffee and lunch provided

Duty of Care

This year, our gathering takes place in one of Malta’s most historic settings: the Sacra Infermeria. Built in 1574 by the Knights of St. John, whose legacy continues today through the St John’s Ambulance. The Holy Infirmary was created as a place of refuge and healing for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. Until 1918, it remained a working hospital dedicated to care in its most practical, human form.

The Sacra Infermeria is the ideal backdrop for a day spent reflecting on duty of care in the context of modern immigration. Together, we’ll explore what responsibility looks like for all of us in this field, covering topics including:

• What do we owe to our corporate and individual clients?
• What responsibilities do governments hold toward the people who arrive at their borders and toward those already living within them?
• What obligations do foreign nationals carry when they begin a life in a new country?

We’ll close the day with an interactive workshop. This year, leadership coach Mehibe Hill will guide us through how to care not only for the people we serve, but for ourselves and our teams.

This year, we invite registrants to support Kenosis Malta, a voluntary organisation helping children, young people and families. It provides spaces to socialise, build confidence and develop positive values through youth clubs, mentoring and group activities. Kenosis also leads community and international outreach projects, supporting vulnerable groups and encouraging volunteering and lasting solidarity within Malta and abroad to foster unity.

Consider a donation today.

Agenda

8.30-9.00: Registration and Networking

9.00-9.05: Welcome Address

9.05-9.30: Keynote Speaker: Colonel Dr. Edric Zahra, CEO – Identita
We are pleased to welcome Colonel Edric Zahra as our keynote speaker. Colonel Edric Zahra was appointed CEO of the Agency Identità, Malta’s immigration service, in July 2025, following his retirement from the armed forces after 25 years of distinguished and dedicated service.  Colonel Zahra holds multiple degrees, and has studied and trained in Italy, Germany, the US, Sweden and Greece over the course of his illustrious career.   The Government of Malta’s press release about Colonel Zahra’s appointment can be found here.

9.30-10.30
Session 1: The duty of the migrants to the host country
Moderator: Jean-Philippe Chetcuti

10.30-11.00: Coffee break

11.00-12.00
Session 2: The duty of the host country to the migrants
Moderator: Bettina Offer

12.00-13.00: Lunch

13.00-14.00
Session 3: Dual Representation – Who is the Client?
Moderator: Fiona Wong (Gilton Valeo)

14.00–15.00
Session 4: Interactive Workshop: Self-Care
Guest expert: Mehibe Hill (the C-Coach)

15.00–15.15: Closing Address

15.30-17.30: Networking Drinks
Sponsored by Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates (Venue tbd)