Long Absence due to Health Scare

@BlueOctupus  Just looked on line and saw that you would be ok as you have been ill, this was with AI so it may be worth you checking as well.  It would probably be best if you change to permanent residency we have and you can be out of Malta for upto five years as well as getting the same care treatment as locals. Perhaps look into this when you have returned.

@GozoMo

Thanks for your advice.  Yes I have checked and if absence over 6 months was due to a

serious health condition then the residency rules have not been broken.

My next concern is when I arrive at Passport control at the airport.  Will my residence card

now be cancelled so I will not be allowed back in the country ?

@BlueOctupus I would have thought you will be ok but can't say for sure, perhaps someone else knows.

Keep all medical certificates, hospital admission records, and treatment letters from your UK doctors.

No, your residence card will not be automatically cancelled, and you will not be denied entry into the country.Maltese border control authorities do not have an automated mechanism to track or cancel Withdrawal Agreement cards solely based on a temporary absence.

However, because you are returning from a non-Schengen country (the UK), passport control officers routinely scan passports and may ask standard questions about your duration of travel.

Border officials cannot arbitrarily revoke your residency status on the spot for an excused absence; having your medical papers on hand serves as immediate legal proof of your exception. https://commission.europa.eu/document/d … 20loss.pdf

@SimCityAT  You also show your residency card with your passport so there's no need for finger print or photo to be done.

@SimCityAT You also show your residency card with your passport so there's no need for finger print or photo to be done. - @GozoMo

Yeah, I thought that was obvious though, but its alwas good to be reminded.

@SimCityAT

Thank you for your excellent advice. I will take my hospital medical notes

and explain that an absence over 6 months but within 12 months is

acceptable for a resident who has had a serious illness, so no residency

rules have been broken.

@SimCityAT
Thank you for your excellent advice. I will take my hospital medical notes
and explain that an absence over 6 months but within 12 months is
acceptable for a resident who has had a serious illness, so no residency
rules have been broken. - @BlueOctupus

You have broken no rules, so no need to panic. Deep breaths and relax.