More than 1,200 Blue Badges were issued by Aġenzija Sapport so far this year from over 1,800 applications received, the agency said on Tuesday. 

Since January, the agency has issued over 1,270 Blue Badges. That number includes renewals for badge holders whose document has expired.  

The Blue Badge enables holders to park in places reserved for persons with disabilities

Aġenzija Sapport said applications can now be made online at www.sapport.gov.mt as well as from its offices. 

The announcement was made as the minister for inclusion, Julia Farrugia Portelli, visited the agency's offices in Sta Venera.

Aġenzija Sapport has handled the blue badge service since March last year and has so far accepted 5,600 applications. Applicants must be approved by an independent medical board to receive a badge. 

The minister was shown around and introduced to staff by the agency's CEO, Oliver Scicluna.  

Correction June 21, 2023: A previous version stated that 1,800 badges were accepted. The statement reflected a Maltese-language ministry press release which stated that 1,800 Blue Badges had been accepted ("milqugħa") by the agency.