Although Malta had not transposed the EC Directive on family reunion as of 1 March 2007, its policies score slightly favourably. Sponsors are forced to wait two years or more but once eligible, they are allowed to reunite with many family members. The conditions for acquisition, third best in the 28 MIPEX countries, would attain best practice if the quick procedure was not costly (see DK) and did not involve a sufficient income condition (see BE and SE). Security of status, best in the EU-10, would also meet best practice if the state had to consider many of a family's circumstances before refusing their application or withdrawing their status (as in half the MIPEX countries). Lastly, Malta would attain best practice on rights associated if all family members could live autonomously of their sponsor's status after three years or less (as in 9 MIPEX countries).
