I Belong Stage 1 status: the Human Rights Directorate lists the Stage 1 courses as discontinued from 15 June 2026 and encourages enrolment in the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture.
Direct answer
Is I Belong Malta Stage 1 still open for applications?
No. Since 15 June 2026 the Stage 1 courses are discontinued. Take the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture instead. You need it, or an old Stage 1 certificate, to join the I Belong 100-hour Cultural Orientation course.
Older pages say “applications paused, awaiting a reopening date”. That is out of date. If your timeline depends on it, contact the Directorate.
Current status
Last verified:
Stage 1 courses discontinued from 15 June 2026
Stage 1 Cultural Orientation, the Foundation Courses and the I Belong language courses listed below are discontinued. The programme now focuses only on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course.
What the Directorate says
The main statement: “As from 15 June 2026, the I Belong programme will only focus on the provision of I Belong 100-hour Cultural Orientation course (previously called as Stage 2 Cultural Orientation).” It lists these as discontinued as from 15 June 2026:
- the Foundation Courses
- the I Belong Stage 1 Cultural Orientation
- the I Belong Maltese Language (MQF level 1)
- the I Belong English Language (MQF level 1)
- the I Belong Maltese Language (MQF level 2)
Instead of Stage 1, prospective participants are encouraged to enrol in the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture (Malta Labour Migration Policy framework). It “remains a requirement for participation in I Belong Cultural Orientation at 100-hours course.”
If you applied for Stage 2 prior to 15 June 2026: you will be given the opportunity to take the I Belong Maltese Language (MQF Level 2) course and the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course.
Older pages talk about a pause: this guide’s earlier record of the same page, which we cannot re-check because it has been replaced, said Stage 1 applications were paused during a restructuring. The current page does not contain that sentence.
“When will Stage 1 reopen?”
The Directorate states no reopening date. It says “further changes may be announced at a later stage.” We record dated changes on the updates page.
What to do next
- Look at the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture. It is the course to take now if you do not hold a Stage 1 certificate.
- Check the official page, not a summary of it. It carries the Directorate’s own wording. Check it for updates before you act.
- If you have a deadline, ask directly. If a Long-Term Residence deadline, a job condition or another process depends on this certificate, contact the Directorate. See official I Belong Programme contacts.
- Read what you will be applying for. See the Directorate’s eligibility criteria and the course figures this guide recorded, including which courses the Directorate lists as discontinued from 15 June 2026.
Common questions
Is Stage 1 still paused, or has something been decided?
Something has been decided. Since 15 June 2026 the Directorate lists the Stage 1 courses as discontinued. Its current page does not mention a pause.
What do I do now instead of the old Stage 1?
Take the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture. For the 100-hour course, the eligibility wording accepts either an "I Belong Stage 1 Cultural Orientation certificate or New Course on Maltese Language and Culture certificate". If you hold a different certificate, ask the Directorate whether it counts.
I was waiting for Stage 1 to reopen. What should I do?
Do not plan around a reopening: the Directorate states no reopening date. If you have a deadline, such as a Long-Term Residence deadline, contact the Directorate. See the official contacts page.
Official sources for this page
These are the official pages this guide depends on. Open them directly before acting on a time-sensitive requirement.
- 01Human Rights Directorate (opens in a new tab)
Official I Belong Programme overview: the current programme structure (as restructured from 15 June 2026), eligibility, registration conditions, and discontinued courses.
Source last checked:
Check the official page directly
The Directorate says further changes may be announced later. Check its page for updates before you act on this guide.
We never collect official login details, documents, or payment data. Use this guide for context, then take action only on the official portal. Full citations are listed at the end of this page.
Read the official I Belong Programme pageOpens the official website