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Maltas Stricter Visa Deadline Criticized by Lawyers: Concerns for Third-Country Nationals Seeking Employment
August 17 2024 14:10 by PCLMedia
A group of lawyers and legal procurators in Malta has raised concerns about the country's 180-day visa deadline, arguing that it is causing significant challenges for third-country nationals (TCNs) who wish to work in Malta. They claim that the recent policy changes are undermining the integrity of Malta’s migration process and have urged Identità, the agency responsible for immigration matters, to address the difficulties TCNs face in meeting the visa deadline.
Under the current system, TCNs can apply for work permits while still residing outside of Malta. Upon approval, they receive an Approval in Principle letter, which grants them 180 days to present themselves at the Identità agency in Malta to finalize their work permit. However, the lawyers argue that this deadline has become increasingly unrealistic due to prolonged visa processing times in applicants' home countries. As a result, many find that by the time they receive their visa, their Approval in Principle letter has already expired.
Previously, Malta had managed this issue with some flexibility, allowing individuals with a valid visa to proceed with their work permit application even if their letter had expired. However, the lawyers report that in recent days, people arriving at Identità with an expired letter, despite holding a valid visa, are now being told that their visas are revoked. The legal professionals describe this as a "drastic and troubling change" that has caused confusion and distress among TCNs. They argue that the new policy demonstrates a lack of empathy and practical understanding of the already complex and bureaucratic immigration process.
“These individuals often endure long waits to secure their visas and travel to Malta, only to face unexpected and unnecessary hurdles upon arrival,” the lawyers stated. They warned that the recent policy change undermines the trust that people place in Maltese institutions and betrays those who have sacrificed much to seek better opportunities in Malta.
The group strongly condemned any practice that leads to TCNs being brought to Malta under false pretenses or exploited. They emphasized that such actions not only violate the trust of those seeking a better life but also damage Malta’s reputation as a fair and just society. The lawyers stressed the importance of maintaining a transparent, humane, and abuse-free migration process.
In response to these developments, the lawyers are calling for an immediate review and correction of the current policy. They urge Identità to adopt a more compassionate and logical approach, acknowledging the real challenges TCNs face in meeting the 180-day deadline due to visa processing delays. They demand that Identità cease the arbitrary revocation of visas when an Approval in Principle letter has expired for reasons beyond the applicant's control.
The group appeals to the relevant authorities to intervene and address the policy shift promptly, arguing that the current approach is unsustainable and contrary to the principles of fairness and justice that should guide Malta’s immigration system.
Despite the government's tightening of visa rules, Malta faces labor shortages across several sectors. The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses highlights that Malta is experiencing labor shortages in 20 occupations, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, food service, hospitality, and business administration.
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