Accessibility Statement

The Public Service is committed to making its online services accessible to everyone. We have a user base both nationally and globally and are dedicated to continuously improving the accessibility of our services with an emphasis on compliance with the requirements against discrimination of the Equal Opportunities Act (Persons with Disability) of 2000 (EOA).

The Public Service website is designed to work with Internet Explorer 11 (using the latest version of Silverlight) and the two most recent versions of the Firefox and Chrome browsers.

As part of this effort, the Public Service adheres to accessibility standards EN310549 and WCAG2.0 guidelines. Our online resources and products are evaluated both manually and programmatically for compliance with the WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines. The Public Service website, in particular, is designed to function well and be accessible when accessed with updated hardware and software products.

However, adherence to standards and guidelines alone cannot ensure that a product is accessible. Therefore, the Public Service also conducts usability evaluations in collaboration with persons with disabilities to gather necessary feedback. We make efforts to implement accessibility for information channels provided through third-party platforms wherever possible.

The Public Service website does not use specific type, enlargement, or color modification widgets. This is because we believe that this functionality is already integrated into the majority of web browsers or is available through different add-ons and plugins that different users are free to customize to their needs. As a result of this, arbitrary user classifications are available for many websites, not just for the Public Service. To enable this level of customization, we seek to maximize compatibility with these user modifications.

As part of and beyond the mentioned guidelines, the Public Service website implements the following accessibility features:

1. Maintain consistent HTML header hierarchy and information grouping on different web pages.
2. Content information is organized in HTML lists where applicable.
3. Script-free focus link styling to emphasize scripts for exclusive keyboard users.
4. RSS feed and email notifications for new website content.
5. Implements a dynamic and interactive sitemap to facilitate website content navigation.
6. Enhanced image, label, and caption titles where this information is relevant and useful.
7. Optimizes color contrast for text where applicable.
8. Actual link text is descriptive enough to inform the user where the link will lead.
9. Implements all external links so they can open in new browser tabs.

The Public Service is not aware of specific inaccessible content or accessibility issues on its website. If you identify such content, please inform us through the contact details provided below. In the event of such a case, the Public Service aims to create a Directional Plan for Accessibility Remediation (ARR). The ARR describes the necessary steps to help identify accessibility issues and ensure compliance with the EOA, including the anticipated schedule for achieving this goal. To initiate an Accessibility Remediation Process, please contact the Public Service at the telephone number or email address provided below.

Inevitably, as we strive to offer more services and resources online, there is a greater chance that some problems may arise, but we remain committed to addressing any accessibility issues promptly. And here is where we need your help. If you encounter any difficulty accessing our website or have problems using any aspect of the website, please let us know.

You can contact the Public Service by sending an email to: imu.opm@gov.mt

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is responsible for implementing Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies. If your ICT accessibility-related question is not addressed within the time limits set within the ARR or if you wish to lodge a formal complaint, you can do so by contacting the MCA on 21336840 or by filling out the online complaint form at https://mca.org.mt/consumer/forms/complaints.