Ten years ago, Alen Osman, Founder and Managing Director of Mamma’s Sugar, packed his bags and left Macedonia with his parents and brother in search of a better life. He arrived in Malta, quickly fell in love with the people and communities, and saw an opportunity for a desserts business.

Four years later, the family-run Mamma’s Sugar continues to thrive, known for its award-winning sweets and two outlets in Ta’ Xbiex and Bugibba.

In an exclusive interview with WhosWho.mt, Mr Osman shares his disappointment after his application for Maltese citizenship by naturalisation – a process that took 11 months – was rejected for the second time by the Komunità Agency.

“People say it’s just a passport,” he says. “But to me, it’s also a way for a country to recognise and validate the contribution I’m making in the community through my work.”

Having completed his long-term residency programme, studied Maltese and supported multiple cultural and social initiatives through Mamma’s Sugar, including foundations for people with disabilities, Mr Osman feels he has gone above and beyond what is required, both legally and personally.

“I know that just because I have a business in Malta doesn’t mean I automatically get the right to citizenship, and I can understand that. But at the very least, I would appreciate some explanation so I can work harder and improve my application,” he said.

After a lengthy exchange of emails, in which Mr Osman asked Komunità to “see the person behind the application” and provide reasons for the rejection, he received a single-sentence response citing the Maltese Citizenship Act:

“The Minister shall not be required to assign any reason for the grant or refusal of any application under the Act and the decision of the Minister on any such application shall not be subject to appeal to or review in any court.”

Giving back through inclusion

Mr Osman also speaks about his commitment to inclusivity, highlighting that 40 per cent of Mamma’s Sugar’s workforce is made up of people with disabilities, far above the legal requirement of two per cent per 20 employees.

“It’s embedded in our employees to be more accepting of different people and to show patience. We listen a lot to our employees, and it’s important to me as a business owner that everyone working here feels happy and valued,” he says, noting the support of organisations such as the Lino Spiteri Foundation and the Malta Trust Foundation.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Mr Osman hopes to create a space, in collaboration with the Government, entirely run by disabled people, a model he has seen successfully implemented in countries like Serbia and Austria.

“People would receive products without paying, instead giving voluntary donations to a foundation,” he explains, adding that the initiative would not generate profit and would rely on Government support for the venue.

Mr Osman also envisions expanding Mamma’s Sugar abroad, opening outlets in countries such as the Czech Republic, Macedonia and Germany.

“My goal is to showcase Maltese sweets internationally, with the Maltese flag featured on our logo, so people buying sweets abroad know where they come from,” he says.

Despite having his citizenship application rejected twice, Mr Osman remains committed to investing in Malta and giving back to the community that welcomed him.

“I feel that I belong here. I feel that I am Maltese,” he concludes.