Dr Emmanuel Mallia pursued his legal studies at the University of Malta, where he obtained the qualifications of Legal Procurator (1973), Notary Public (1978), and Doctor of Laws (1979). He began his professional career at Guido de Marco & Associates (Advocates) and, in 1980, established his own firm, Emmanuel Mallia & Associates. Widely recognised as an expert in Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure, Dr Mallia defended numerous high-profile jury trials in Malta and participated in international criminal defence teams in foreign countries. He also lectured in Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at the University of Malta and at the Malta Police Academy. He is a member of the International Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Dr Mallia entered Maltese politics following his successful election to Parliament in 2013 and 2017, notably securing seats from two constituencies simultaneously in 2013. Upon his election, he was appointed Minister for Home Affairs and National Security. In 2016, he assumed the portfolio of Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime, and Services Economy. During Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2017, he played a pivotal role in the adoption of the “Roam Like at Home” digital strategy as a legal act of the Council.

During his ministerial tenure, Dr Mallia contributed significantly to the strengthening of Malta bilateral relations with various countries. Amongst which, the relations with the UAE. In his capacity as Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime, and Services Economy, he led a Maltese delegation to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to promote synergies between the business communities of Malta, Abu Dhabi and Dubai and to enhance bilateral trade relations. On that occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

In the House of Representatives, Dr Mallia served as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee and subsequently of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee. He led the Maltese delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and was a member of Malta’s delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Within the framework of the Council of Europe, he was actively involved in the Legal and Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Election of Judges to the European Court of Human Rights. He also served as a member of the Maltese delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and participated in the Committee of Experts on Terrorism of the Council of Europe.

As Chairman of the Commonwealth ICT Ministers Forum held in London in 2016, he endorsed a new strategic plan for the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation.

On 23 November 2021, His Excellency Dr Emmanuel Mallia assumed his duties in the United Kingdom as High Commissioner of Malta to the Court of St James’s. He presented the working copies of his Letters of Credence to the Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps and Director of Protocol at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 27 January 2022, and on 29 April 2022 had the honour of presenting his Credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

On 20 December 2024, His Excellency formally presented the working copies of his Letters of Credence as Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the Kingdom of Spain to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. On 8 January 2025, he presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain.

Dr Mallia has also been actively engaged in various non-profit organisations in Malta. He has served as an executive member of the Malta Football Association, Vice-President of the Malta Red Cross, Chairman of the Motor Racing Association, President of the Pembroke Basketball Club, and President of the Casino Maltese (1852) Social Club.

Dr Mallia is married to Elena Codruța (née Cristian) and has two sons, Nicola and Emmanuel.