Third-country nationals already living in Malta who are expecting a baby will continue to benefit from free childcare, Equality and Civil Rights Minister Rosianne Cutajar has confirmed.The decision follows growing concerns over Budget 2027 measures that would remove free childcare eligibility for certain non-EU nationals without long-term residency.In a social media statement, Cutajar revealed that her ministry had been holding discussions with other government ministries over the past few days to find a solution.“Common sense has prevailed,” she said, welcoming what she described as a fair decision.The minister explained that the move would offer reassurance to expecting families during an already sensitive period.The announcement follows Cutajar’s earlier expression of discomfort with some of the Budget measures affecting third-country nationals, despite acknowledging the government’s economic reasoning.Children already registered for childcare but who have not yet started attending are also expected to be covered by transitional arrangements, although Jobsplus has yet to publish the full eligibility criteria.Cutajar said numerous people had contacted her to express their appreciation for the decision.She also stressed that foreign workers make an important contribution to Malta and deserve to be treated with dignity.“I am very comfortable that a sense of humanity is being safeguarded through the decisions we have taken in recent days,” she said.The minister reaffirmed her commitment to protecting minorities and vulnerable people in Malta.•