Malta is introducing major reforms to its labour migration system as part of the new Labour Migration Policy, with the first wave of changes taking effect from 1 August 2025, followed by additional measures on 1 October 2025. These updates aim to create a more transparent, skills-based, and fair employment framework that aligns with national labour market demands while strengthening worker protections.
Starting August 2025
- Termination Rate Monitoring – Employers with excessive termination patterns may be ineligible to recruit TCNs. Gradual thresholds will apply by company size through July 2026.
- Job Vacancy Posting – Employers must advertise jobs (2–3 weeks) before applying for TCN permits. From October, this must be via Jobsplus and EURES portals.
- Redundancy Restrictions – Employers who laid off workers for the same job in the past year cannot rehire TCNs for that role.
- Engagement/Termination Form Deadlines – Must be submitted within 4 working days. Delays may lead to suspension or disqualification from hiring TCNs.
- Compliance with Disability Employment Laws – Employers must meet the 2% disability employment quota or face permit processing suspensions.
- Revised Fee Structure
Health/care roles capped at €150. Any other fees currently below this threshold will remain unchanged.
- First-time application: €600
- Renewal: €150/year
- Change of employer: €600
- Change of role: €300
- Extended Grace Period for Terminated TCNs – 60 days total (30 + 30 upon proof of financial stability) to find new work before requiring departure.
- Salary Thresholds for KEI & SEI
- KEI: €45,000/year
- SEI: €30,000/year
- Permit Restrictions – TCNs on non-work visas (e.g., tourists) cannot apply for work permits, with limited exceptions.
- Verification Checks on Renewals – Authorities will ensure conditions from original contracts (like wages) are still met.
- Workforce Caps by Company Size – Limits based on staff growth over previous 12 months:
- Micro: +200%
- Small: +100%
- Medium: +50%
- Large: +25%
- Family Support – Special permits for partners and parents of Maltese nationals (under 23) with easier employment options.
Starting October 2025
- Salary Payments – Must be made via licensed financial institutions i.e. through electronic payments — no cash payments allowed.
- Visa Waiver Interim Permits – TCNs from visa-free countries applying within 60 days may remain in Malta during processing.
- Support for Human Trafficking Victims – Longer permit durations and no application fees for identified victims.
Several ongoing initiatives will support these reforms, including real-time labour market analysis, upskilling programmes, the gradual introduction of skills cards, the development of strategic partnerships, and a regularly updated list of high-risk countries whose citizens may face restrictions when applying for work permits.
These changes represent a major step toward a more regulated and future-proof migration framework, and employers are encouraged to review their internal practices and ensure timely compliance with the new requirements.
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