Health Screening for Family Members Applying for Family Reunification
(last updated 29th May 2024)
KINDLY NOTE THAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE PROCESS FOR A REQUEST FOR HEALTH SCREENING.
KINDLY ALSO NOTE THAT THE EMAIL ADDRESS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO:
hsu.hpdp@gov.mt
PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW VERY CAREFULLY.
As of the beginning of October 2023 ALL family members applying for family reunification are required to undergo health screening or screening of their vaccination records.This includes those applying for the first time as well as those applying for renewals. It also includes children born in Malta.
• Screening for the Family Reunification Scheme can only be carried out at the Health Screening Unit in Floriana Health Centre.
• This health screening is only required to be carried out ONCE.
• This health screening is also required to be carried out ONCE for all applicants who are applying for renewal of their residence permit if they have never undergone screening before.
• All family members applying for family reunification are required to undergo health screening – no exceptions will be made.
• If you have previously undergone health screening for a work permit application you are not required to undergo health screening again.
Applications may take up to a number of weeks to be processed, thus, applicants are advised to apply for a Health Screening appointment at least four (4) months before renewal is due.
Health Screening Process
1. In order to undergo health screening individuals are required to send an email to hsu.hpdp@gov.mt with the following information:
i. This excel sheet attached with all required information inputted correctly
ii. Scans of the applicants’ vaccination records in English.
iii. Chest X-Ray report for those individuals coming from high/very high risk TB countries
Important information:
Please find some important information below to ensure that your health screening process goes as smoothly as possible:
Kindly ensure that all medical documents are in the English language.
1. Not everybody will require an appointment.
2. In some cases, applicants may receive an approval email without having to physically attend an appointment. This is to be presented to Identita’ when attending the appointment with them.
3. There may be situations whereby individuals may still require an appointment at Floriana Health Centre.
4. In this case you are kindly requested to bring:
• Maltese ID Card/Passport
• Immunisation Records
Adults – all adults need to have updated vaccination records:
i. Vaccination for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio is mandatory by law in Malta
ii. Vaccination against Mumps, Measles and Rubella is strongly recommended
- these vaccinations need to be taken privately thus it is advised that individuals who are not vaccinated ensure that they take the vaccines prior to their screening appointment so that they can present updated documents on screening.
iii. Individuals who do not have their vaccination records available are required to take a booster dose of the above-mentioned vaccinations. These vaccinations are required to be taken privately.
Children – all children need to have updated vaccination records according to their age
i. Vaccination for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio is mandatory by law in Malta
ii. Vaccination against Rubella is mandatory by law for females by the age of 13 years
iii. Vaccination against Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine) – all children coming from high/very high risk TB countries who have not yet been given the BCG vaccine will be screened to determine whether they are required to take it.
iv. Other vaccines – it is advised that all children residing in Malta are vaccinated as per the National Immunisation Schedule
- vaccinations in children can be given at The Primary Child & Youth Health & Immunisation Unit in Floriana Health Centre. An appointment is required, and this can be done by sending an email to immunisation@gov.mt.
• If required, Chest X-Ray report - Chest X-Rays have to be taken in Malta. Chest X-Rays taken overseas will not be accepted.
N.B. A Chest X-Ray is ONLY required by individuals coming from a high/very high risk TB country.
i. The Chest X-Ray is required by all children aged 10 years and over and by adults.
ii. Individuals who came to reside in Malta in 2020 or later:
- Those who have been here in Malta from 2020 onwards and have taken a Chest X-Ray during this time-period are to present the report of the Chest X-Ray upon attending their appointment.
- Those who have been here in Malta from 2020 onwards who have never taken a Chest X-Ray while here are required to take one prior to their health screening appointment.
iii. Individuals who came to reside in Malta prior to 2020:
- a Chest X-Ray needs to be carried out (this has to be done in a private clinic in Malta, and they are to bring the report with them to the screening appointment) prior to their health screening appointment unless they have had a Chest X-Ray done in the year prior to their health screening appointment. The report is to be presented at the health screening appointment.
iv. Newly arrived individuals who are applying under the Family Reunification Scheme and who are coming from a high/very high risk TB country are required to have a Chest X-Ray carried out prior to their health screening appointment (this has to be done in a private clinic in Malta, and they are to bring the report with them to the screening appointment.
Any queries are only to be directed in writing to hsu.hpdp@gov.mt
Health Screening Unit
Floriana Health Centre
c/o Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit