Repubblika has condemned Budget measures affecting third-country nationals, arguing that removing benefits such as free public transport and childcare for certain TCNs is “unjust, discriminatory and morally unacceptable”.In a statement issued on 27th October, the organisation said third-country nationals live and work in Malta, pay taxes and contribute to the country’s economy, yet will now be expected to pay for services that other residents continue to receive for free.Repubblika argued that many of those affected are low-income workers who also have no vote in the political process.“These people did not come to Malta without the state’s consent,” the organisation said, pointing out that the government granted them permits to live and work in the country and, in some cases, encouraged their recruitment from abroad.The group said workers who moved to Malta based on the conditions available to them should expect to be treated fairly and not have those conditions changed without what it described as serious justification.Repubblika also expressed concern that the measures could be an attempt to respond to public complaints about foreign workers, arguing that government should challenge racism and xenophobia rather than allow prejudice to influence policy.It acknowledged that government has the right to regulate immigration and respond to pressure on public services, but argued that this should not come at the expense of people already living and working in Malta.“A person’s worth does not depend on whether they can vote for the government,” Repubblika said.The organisation concluded by saying politics should protect people from prejudice rather than turn it into state policy.•