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November 23 2025 08:03:57 by PCLMedia
 
There are important new rules coming in 2026 that affect TCNs (third-country nationals) entering Malta, especially relating to testing and certification. Here’s a breakdown of what those changes are, how they work, and what the implications are — added into the context of the broader labour-market reforms.

What’s New in 2026: Pre-Departure Test Requirement for TCNs

1. Pre-Departure “Life in Malta” Test

- Starting in 2026, TCNs who want to come to Malta to work will have to pass a test about life in Malta.
- This isn’t just a casual quiz — it's part of a pre-departure course, meaning that before arriving in Malta, TCNs must complete training that covers: workers’ rights, Maltese culture, basic hygiene, and even “basic phrases in Maltese.”
- According to Minister Byron Camilleri, those who fail the test will be barred from working in Malta.

2. Integration via “I Belong” Programme

- The Labour Migration Policy introduces a restructured “I Belong” programme: TCNs will need to complete this before they arrive in Malta, and part of that is proving some language ability (either Maltese or English).
- Evidence of completing this course (and passing the test) is required to get an “approval in principle” for the single permit.
- The course isn’t just cultural: it also encompasses legal rights, Maltese history/culture, and expectations about living in Malta.

3. Skills Pass Test for Tourism & Hospitality

- There’s also a Skills Pass Test specifically for TCNs working in the tourism and hospitality industry.
- Legal Notice 78 of 2024 establishes this test; while it currently applies only to TCNs, by January 2026, all tourism and hospitality workers (including Maltese and EU nationals) must hold the Skills Pass.
- The Skills Pass ensures that workers have a baseline of skills/training relevant to the industry, such as customer service, basic English, and sector-specific knowledge.
- Failing the in-person assessment (which takes place shortly after arrival) could lead to a worker being “expatriated” (i.e., not allowed to stay).

Why These New Measures Matter

- Integration & Social Cohesion: By requiring pre-departure training and a test on Maltese life, the government is signaling that TCNs aren’t just labour inputs — they are future residents. This helps with social cohesion, reducing cultural friction, and ensuring people arriving have a basic understanding of how life works in Malta.

- Quality of Workforce: The Skills Pass requirement for hospitality ensures that TCNs entering that sector are more skilled, better trained, and more likely to provide high-quality service. This could also help reduce turnover (a major issue) by selecting people who are more committed and prepared.

- Rights Awareness: The pre-departure course covers workers’ rights — this is significant because it empowers new workers to know what protections they have, reducing the risk of exploitation.

- Stronger Screening: By linking permit approval to passing a test, Malta adds another layer of screening. It’s not purely a financial or employment decision — there’s a cultural and social dimension too.

Risks & Challenges

- Barrier to Entry: For some TCNs, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, these requirements might become a barrier. The test may exclude otherwise willing workers who simply were not prepared or could not access good pre-departure training.

- Implementation Capacity: The success of the programme depends on high-quality pre-departure courses, reliable testing, and robust verification by Maltese authorities. If these aren’t well-designed, the system could become a bureaucratic bottleneck.

- Cost: Running such training and testing (especially in other countries) costs money. Will TCNs have to pay? If so, that could disincentivize lower-paid but essential workers from applying.

- Equality: Some might argue that this creates a two-tier system: TCNs are being asked to “prove” they belong in ways that EU or Maltese nationals are not. That could feed into debates about fairness.

Looking Forward: How This Fits Into the Labour Market Reform

Malta’s reforms mark a strategic shift: away from short-term labour substitution toward a more stable, regulated, and skills-driven labour migration system. For TCNs, this could mean more protection, fairer employment conditions, and real pathways to integration. For the Maltese economy, it’s an opportunity to make foreign labour more sustainable and aligned with long-term national interests.

However, successful implementation will be key. If enforcement lags or if the burden on employers becomes too heavy, the policy’s goals could be undermined. On the other hand, with careful rollout, these changes could foster a more balanced labour market — one that values stability, responsibility, and mutual benefit.
 

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