Malta to Make Skills Pass Mandatory for All Non-EU Workers: A New Standard for Workforce Integration

June 26 2025 07:40:23 by PCLMedia

In a significant policy shift aimed at better integrating foreign workers into Maltese society and the labour market, the government is preparing to mandate a Skills Pass for all new third country nationals (TCNs) seeking employment in Malta.

What Is the Skills Pass?

The Skills Pass is a certification program that ensures prospective workers possess essential knowledge and competencies before entering the workforce. While it currently applies only to the hospitality sector, the revamped policy will expand it to all sectors, making it a prerequisite for every new TCN before arriving in Malta for work.

The course includes:

* Job-specific skills (e.g., customer service, workplace etiquette)
* Basic English proficiency
* Knowledge of Maltese culture, norms, and laws
* Understanding of worker rights and responsibilities

The overarching goal is to foster better communication, reduce exploitation, and promote social cohesion.

What Will the New Version Cover?

According to government sources, the revised Skills Pass will place stronger emphasis on: * Maltese values and traditions
* Labour laws, including fair working hours and overtime entitlements
* Social expectations, such as respect for diversity, LGBTIQ rights, and gender equality
* Civic responsibilities, helping workers adapt more quickly to life in Malta

“This new system will empower foreign workers by ensuring they understand their rights and the society they’re joining,” a senior government official said.

Why Is the Change Being Introduced?

The reform comes amid growing concern over inconsistencies in worker readiness and integration across industries. Initially, some hospitality employers supported the scheme, but others—especially in catering—raised concerns that the extra hurdle was diverting applicants to less regulated sectors.

The government's response is a universal Skills Pass, which aims to level the playing field across industries and create fairer, more transparent hiring practices.

The Application Process: What Workers Need to Know

Although full details are expected soon, here's what prospective workers and employers should anticipate:

1. Pre-arrival Requirement: The Skills Pass course must be completed before entering Malta.
2. Online or Accredited Training Providers: Training will likely be delivered via certified institutions or possibly online platforms, ensuring accessibility.
3. Assessment and Certification: Workers must pass an exam to receive the Skills Pass certificate, which will then be submitted as part of the employment permit application.
4. Cost and Duration: The government has not yet disclosed the cost or duration of the course, but it is expected to be affordable and time-efficient, in line with the broader migration policy.

Tip: Read our guide Malta Skills Card

Broader Migration Reform

The Skills Pass initiative is part of Malta's wider labour migration policy overhaul, which aims to reduce worker turnover and stabilize population growth. Other proposed reforms include:

* Extending work permits from one to two years
* Banning cash salaries to improve transparency
* Introducing a 60-day grace period for jobseekers who leave or lose employment
* Penalizing employers with high termination rates

As Minister for Employment and Home Affairs Byron Camilleri noted earlier this year, “We are taking a new direction — one that ensures long-term stability while respecting the dignity and rights of all workers.”

Final Thoughts

For anyone considering work in Malta, the Skills Pass will soon become a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier. By equipping workers with the right tools and understanding from the start, Malta is investing in a more skilled, informed, and integrated workforce.