CIMES - Malta

General conditions

Microdata access is only granted under strict conditions to a selected number of institutions or persons accredited as “research entities” or “researchers” for use in research projects. To be accredited, applicants have to demonstrate their knowledge and experience for handling potentially disclosive personal information. They also have to provide evidence that illustrates professionalism and technical competence. They have to demonstrate a commitment to protecting and maintaining the confidentiality of the data.

Conditions for non-resident researchers

Conditions under which access to confidential data is granted is identical for Maltese and non-Maltese residents.

Conditions for students

Same as above. Microdata access is not granted to students following an undergraduate program of study as opposed to postgraduate students, for whom access to microdata is given under the same conditions specified above.

Legal framework

- Malta Statistics Authority Act 2000 : https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/422/eng
- Data Protection Act 2000: https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/586/eng/pdf
- Census Act 1948: https://msa.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Census_Act.pdf#:~:text=CE…

How much does it cost?

Cost is calculated on a case by case basis. A cost recovery charge is normally applied which is calculated on an hourly basis equivalent to a Statistician’s rate.

How long does it take to obtain data?

Timeframes are subject to various issues, such as the anonymisation rules to be applied on the data, approval of the corresponding terms and conditions as well as the agreement which must be signed by both the research entity and the NSO. On average this is a matter of two-three weeks.

Information on access

For further details: https://nso.gov.mt/access-to-microdata/

Public Use Files (PUF)

It is not possible for external researches to access public use files at NSO.

Scientific Use Files (SUF)

At the NSO, access to anonymised microdata is exclusively available to recognized research entities or researchers for specific research projects that demonstrate public benefit, such as informing public policy or enhancing societal well-being in Malta. To gain access, applicants must prove their expertise in handling sensitive data, provide evidence of their professionalism, and commit to maintaining confidentiality. The application process involves submitting a detailed request, which will be evaluated by the NSO, followed by a notification of the decision. If approved, a contract outlining data security responsibilities will be signed, granting access for a specified period.

Secure Use Files (SecUF)

It is not possible for external researches to access secure use files at NSO.

• Census of Population and Housing

• Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC)

• Labour Force Survey (LFS)

• Household Budgetary Survey (HBS)

The pages above provide information on microdata disseminated at the national level by the statistical institutes in the European countries and on microdata disseminated by Eurostat.  The pages describe the data and the procedures for requesting access as well as the available types of microdata files (Public Use Files, Scientific Use Files, and Secure Use Files).

This information was initially collected by CASD/GENES for the CIMES database developed for Data without Boundaries project (funded by the 7th Framework Programme, the EU's research funding programme between 2007 and 2013). CIMES stands for Centralising and Integrating Metadata from European Statistics. Various organisations (ADP, CED, CNRS-Réseau Quetelet, FORS, GESIS, RODA, ONS, and UL) contributed to the creation of CIMES by collecting and structuring the metadata for the period of the Data without Boundaries project (2011-2015). In 2021, Eurostat moved the CIMES database to the CROS platform to facilitate updates of countries' information. Eurostat would like to thank all CIMES developers, especially CASD, for sharing the CIMES database and for all efficient collaboration.