I Didn't Want to Move to Malta... Now I'll Never Leave

When Merle-Louise first arrived in Malta, she wanted to get straight back on the plane. Fifteen years later, she calls the Mediterranean island home—and has helped hundreds of South Africans do the same. After building a successful events business in South Africa, changing economic conditions forced Merle-Louise to rethink her future. What followed was a journey that took her first to Mauritius before an unexpected opportunity led her to Malta—an island she barely knew existed. Today she runs Malta Lifestyle, helping South Africans understand what life is really like on one of Europe's smallest but fastest-growing economies. In this episode we discuss: Why Malta has become an attractive destination for South Africans Employment opportunities and industries looking for skilled workers Residency and long-term immigration options Cost of living, healthcare and education Safety and quality of life The emotional price of emigration Why community matters when building a new life abroad Practical advice for anyone considering a move overseas This conversation is about much more than Malta. It's about preparing properly, embracing change and understanding that sometimes the biggest opportunities are found in places you never expected. "Don't wait. Get your documents together. If an opportunity comes tomorrow, be ready." _____________________________________________________________________ Sponsored by Sable International For more than 30 years, Sable International has helped South Africans with visas, citizenship, foreign exchange and international financial planning. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _____________________________________________________________________ Timestamps 00:21 – Introduction 00:55 – Where is Malta? 02:13 – Growing up in South Africa 03:23 – Building a career in hospitality and events 04:50 – Why she decided to leave South Africa 06:18 – Arriving in Malta…and wanting to leave immediately 07:55 – Living in an English-speaking Mediterranean country 08:35 – Flights, visas and Schengen travel 10:07 – Why Malta attracts people from around the world 11:38 – The moment Malta started feeling like home 14:33 – Why getting involved is essential after emigrating 15:38 – Planning your move properly 18:14 – Should you leave a back door open? 20:32 – The biggest adjustment for South Africans 22:04 – Is Malta still a good option? 24:19 – Jobs, education and opportunities 25:50 – Residency and citizenship 28:40 – Housing, healthcare and cost of living 30:25 – What she misses about South Africa 32:25 – Helping the next generation 35:34 – The true price of emigration 39:07 – Advice for anyone considering the move 41:36 – Will she ever return to South Africa? Connect with Merle-Louise 🌍 Malta Lifestyle Website: www.maltalifestyle.com Facebook: South African Family & Friends in Malta (SAFF Malta) Connect with The Relocated South African 🌍 www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com If this episode helped you understand another emigration option for South Africans, please share it with someone considering a move abroad.