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January 20 2025 08:47:18 by PCLMedia
 
The Malta Chamber has welcomed the newly launched labour migration policy, emphasizing that it can be further strengthened by reducing public sector employment, enhancing incentives for upskilling and reskilling, and increasing support for investment in digitalisation to improve productivity.

The Chamber stated, "All policies need to be aligned and fully integrated into the Malta Vision 2050 to ensure a holistic and long-term strategy for the nation’s workforce and sustainable economic growth."

Earlier this month, the government unveiled its labour migration policy aimed at addressing the employment of non-EU nationals, known as Third Country Nationals (TCNs). The policy seeks to discourage and penalise the frequent turnover of foreign workers.

The Malta Chamber has called for further clarification on minimum termination rates, especially in calculating workforce size for companies within group structures. It identified scenarios such as terminations during probation, fixed-term contracts, or seasonal employment that require clearer guidelines. The Chamber opposes a one-size-fits-all approach and stresses the need to address sector-specific issues, like chronic worker shortages in healthcare.

Regarding the eligibility for additional TCNs based on workforce percentages, the Chamber questioned whether subcontracted workers are included and sought clearer guidelines for temping and outsourcing agencies, which are expected to meet the same criteria as other companies. It proposed the introduction of renewable seasonal work permits to reduce recruitment costs and enhance employment stability.

While supporting the prioritisation of Maltese and EU nationals, the Chamber stressed the importance of flexibility in thresholds to account for persistent local labour shortages and sector-specific challenges. It also advocated for transparency in wage rate studies, urging public disclosure of methodologies and addressing external factors such as high rental costs.

The Chamber endorsed creating tailored Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with other countries to streamline ethical labour migration, rewarding compliant companies and agencies. It highlighted the necessity for robust enforcement to combat exploitative practices in outsourcing and temping, where regulation has historically been inadequate.

Transparency, efficiency, and enforcement are crucial to the Labour Migration Policy’s success, the Malta Chamber insisted, stressing the importance of aligning it with Malta Vision 2050 and swiftly addressing abuse by employers or employees.

Labour Market and TCNs in Other European Countries

The challenges and approaches to labour migration in Malta are mirrored across various European countries, each grappling with its own set of workforce demands and policy responses.

In Germany, the Skilled Workers Immigration Act, introduced in 2020, has facilitated the immigration of qualified non-EU workers. Germany faces significant labour shortages in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering, prompting policies that streamline the recognition of foreign qualifications and provide pathways for long-term residency.

Spain has also implemented policies to attract TCNs, particularly in agriculture and tourism. Seasonal work permits are a common tool used to address short-term labour needs. However, Spain faces challenges in ensuring fair working conditions and integrating migrants into the broader economy.

In Italy, the Decreto Flussi sets annual quotas for non-EU workers. Italy’s labour market policies are heavily influenced by regional variations, with northern regions experiencing higher demand for skilled labour in manufacturing and services, while southern regions face higher unemployment.

France has focused on balancing the need for skilled migrants with high domestic unemployment rates. The French government has introduced measures to attract TCNs in technology and healthcare, sectors facing acute shortages. Additionally, France emphasizes the importance of language proficiency and integration programs to ensure successful labour market participation.

Sweden has adopted a more open approach, allowing employers to recruit TCNs without sector-specific quotas. Sweden's policies aim to address labour shortages in sectors like IT, education, and healthcare, with a strong focus on ensuring fair working conditions and preventing exploitation.

Across these countries, common themes emerge: the need for ethical recruitment practices, the integration of migrants into the workforce, and the balancing act between protecting local employment and addressing labour shortages. The experience of these nations offers valuable insights for Malta as it refines its labour migration policy to meet current and future workforce challenges.
 

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