‘I didn’t know what depression meant until I was in Malta’

In his home country Kenya, Davis Maoga is spending some time alone, rented a house on a short-let basis and using his free time to focus on his studies and writing.

“I’m spending time on my own because I want to overcome the depression I’ve been dealing with,” he said. “I didn’t know the meaning of depression until I came to Malta.”

Maoga has just returned to Kenya after voluntarily repatriating himself from Malta. He had been in Malta for six years, focused on building a career in finance. He had two master’s in finance and risk management under his belt, both achieved on a full scholarship.

His next step was a PhD in finance.

In the meantime, he began teaching evening classes at a business college. He worked for a risk management firm at the same time and, later, for a local bank. However, the bank held a policy that banned employees from taking on side jobs. He explained to the bank that he was midway through a teaching contract and could not leave his students halfway through the term, but would not renew his contract with them. After some time, the bank terminated his contract while on probation. 

When a third-country national (TCN) loses their job, they have a limited window to find new employment or get sent out of the country.

At the time that Maoga lost his job in November 2023, he had 10 days to find a vacancy or risk deportation. (TCNs now have 30 days to find a new job and renew their work permit.)

Maoga could not find a job in time, so his work permit expired automatically.

He could not keep tutoring any longer either, since he was, strictly speaking, living in the country illegally. The man with two master’s degrees was suddenly locked out of legal work.

During his time in Malta, he also sustained a shoulder injury after falling down some stairs. He was scheduled for a minor surgery but could not receive treatment because he had to prove he was paying tax, which he could not because the appeal barred him from legal work

He filed an appeal from the decision. By law, the immigration appeals board has 10 days to decide on a case, which can be extended up to 60 days if the worker and Identità – the entity responsible for work permits – file submissions allowing for this. In reality, appeals could take up to two years to be decided. The appeals board operates on a part-time basis, and the backlog stretches to thousands of people awaiting a decision on their permit. 

With a wife and two daughters to support and no legal route to income, Maoga relied on a friend and priest. He would volunteer to help decorate his church for special occasions and, as a gesture of appreciation, the church would offer him financial support. 

During his time in Malta, he also sustained a shoulder injury after falling down some stairs.

He was scheduled for a minor surgery but could not receive treatment because he had to prove he was paying tax, which he could not because the appeal barred him from legal work. 

Paying for the treatment proved too costly for him since he was out of work as his status was on appeal. 

He was also struggling to care for his daughters, including taking them to school and picking them up every day. He also no longer had the necessary documents to guarantee their free education and medical care. In February, he decided to send his kids back to Kenya.

The legal limbo took a toll on his mental health. He developed a drinking problem and abandoned his PhD studies because he could not afford to continue.

His marriage also started to break down, and he eventually separated from his partner. 

“I wasn’t present for them because I was going through a very difficult period and felt I had nothing to offer. 

Separation was never what I wanted, but perhaps it has been the better option for my wife and our daughters,” he said. 

With few prospects, he decided to abandon the appeals process and voluntarily return home. He made use of the government’s assisted voluntary return and hopped on a paid flight back to Kenya.

Now that he is back in his home country, he is reflecting on his time in Malta.

“Malta seemed like an ideal place until the system worked against me,” he said. “I love Malta, but I wouldn’t advise anyone to move to Malta.”

He chose to spend some time alone before reuniting with his family so he could process what he had been through and rebuild his self-confidence.

“I want to love myself before I love my kids and family. How I was in Malta is not how I want my kids or family to see me.”