As frustrations about overpopulation mount, the Malta Developers Association is calling on the authorities to renew building permits automatically to reduce the need for the mass importation of human resources.
In a press release issued on Tuesday (today), the organisation described foreign labour as “essential” for the property sector.
It said that although developers and contracators alike pay “substantially more than the minimum wage”, few Maltese are ready to work in the industry.
“However, measures can be taken to reduce the pressure to attract more foreign workers,” it said.
In the release, the MDA singled out the automatic renewal of building permits that are about to expire as a measure that would allow developers more breathing room to complete their projects.
“It is crucial that when a project is initiated it can be continued and seek to be completed in order to reduce the inconvenience. Thus, projects are carried out carefully and not with additional vigour,” it said.
“This reduces the pressure for the importation of foreign workers that are needed to carry out these projects, with the work instead being distributed among current workers with the least danger possible.”
‘Labour market conditions remained tight but showed some signs of moderation,’ Central Bank says
In the second quarter of 2026, the overall employment rate increased to 80.1 per cent
Nearly half of Maltese adults want less reliance on non-EU workers, but most won’t accept higher prices – survey
Seven in ten consider the Budget’s new fees and restrictions for third-country nationals necessary
SME Chamber concerned over proposed price hikes for non-EU students
Such increases risk severely undermining Malta's competitiveness as an international education destination, it said