Mandatory pre-departure course introduced as Malta accelerates labour migration reform

Malta has announced a new mandatory Pre-Departure Course and assessment for all third-country nationals (TCNs) seeking to work in the country, marking a significant step in the implementation of the Malta Labour Migration Policy.

The reform was unveiled on Thursday (today) during a press conference by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg and Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri.

A new entry requirement for foreign workers

Under the new framework, every TCN must complete a Pre-Departure Course and pass an assessment before being eligible to apply for employment in Malta. The programme, costing €250, covers basic English language skills, cultural awareness, hygiene and conduct, workers’ rights and obligations, and respect for civil liberties.

Only individuals who pass the assessment may proceed to the application stage. The course begins on 5th January 2026, and from 1st March 2026, Identità will only consider applications from workers who have successfully completed it.

In sectors where the Skills Pass already applies–such as tourism–applicants will also need to complete the sector-specific second part. This requirement will expand as more sectors come within the Skills Pass framework.

Minister Camilleri said the reforms ensure that “Malta welcomes workers of quality” and emphasised that those coming to Malta “must adapt to Maltese society, not the other way around.” He added that the policy aims both to safeguard workers’ rights and provide employers with a more stable labour market.

Longer permits linked to skills and training

Workers already residing in Malta who have been employed for at least one year may be eligible for a renewal longer than the standard one-year term.

Low-skilled workers will be required to undertake a specialised training programme, while higher-skilled professionals will automatically receive a two-year extension, provided they hold a valid employment contract.

The training programme–developed for the Home Affairs Ministry–will be delivered by licensed Maltese institutions and will include modules on Maltese culture, civic participation, safety and legal awareness, as well as English and Maltese language learning.

Minister Camilleri noted that these steps “practically and clearly incentivise skills development,” while also rewarding employers who invest in staff development and comply with the strengthened regulatory framework.

New Suitability Check by Jobsplus

Alongside the Pre-Departure requirement, all applicants will undergo a new Suitability Check administered by Jobsplus. This will require documentation in four areas:

1. Certificate of the Pre-Departure Course or Skills Pass
2. Approval from the relevant regulatory body (for regulated professions)
3. Recognition of qualifications from MQRIC where applicable
4. Employer declaration confirming the applicant’s suitability for the role

Jobsplus will retain the right to request further information as needed.

Stricter enforcement and employer accountability

The Government also announced amendments to reinforce enforcement against exploitation. Maltese authorities will gain the power to disqualify employers from hiring TCNs if they are found to have breached workers’ rights.

Moreover, employers will be prohibited from receiving any form of financial compensation from workers relating to recruitment or termination–an abuse that authorities say has been increasingly identified.

The measures strengthen reforms introduced over recent months, including:

• Minimum termination rates before submitting new applications
• Stricter obligations to publicly advertise vacancies
• Restrictions on employers who dismissed workers unjustifiably in the previous 12 months
• Doubling of application fees for new workers (with exceptions in health, elderly care and disability services)
• Obligations related to the disability employment quota
• New rules for applicants who enter Malta without a valid work visa
• Mandatory salary payment via bank or electronic transfer

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg described the reform as “more than a technical adjustment,” calling it a clear statement of the direction Malta aims to pursue in labour management.

Further information is available via the Jobsplus website and helpline 153.