S.L. 420.9 Art. 14Schooling and education of minors.

(1) Minor children of applicants and applicants who are minors shall be granted the same access to education as Maltese nationals and under similar conditions for so long as an expulsion measure against such minors or their parents is not actually enforced.

(2) The specific needs of minors, in particular with regard to respect for the child’s right to education and access to health care shall be taken into account.

(3) The education of minors shall, as a rule, be integrated with that of Maltese nationals and be of the same quality:

Provided that all efforts shall be made to ensure the continuity of education of minors for as long as an expulsion measure against them or their parents is not actually enforced.

(4) Secondary education shall not be withdrawn for the sole reason that the minor has reached the age of majority.

(5) Minors referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be granted access to the general education system as soon as possible and the Ministry responsible for Education shall not postpone the granting of that access for more than two (2) months from the date on which the application for international protection was lodged taking into account school holidays:

Provided that education outside the general education system may be provided as a temporary measure and for a maximum period of one (1) month:

Provided further that preparatory classes, including language classes, shall be provided to minors where it is necessary to facilitate their access to and participation in the general education system.

(6) Where access to the general education system is not possible due to the specific situation of the minor including inability to communicate in the Maltese or English language, education arrangements shall be provided in accordance with relevant national provisions and programmes offered by the Ministry responsible for Education.