Number of Third-Country Nationals in Malta’s cab industry drops by 1,030 since June

The number of third-country nationals (TCNs) employed in Malta’s cab sector has decreased since June, with figures showing a drop from 5,257 to 4,227 workers – that’s 1,030 fewer workers in the span of five months.

Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality of Malta Byron Camilleri revealed that the cab industry employs 3,171 full-time workers and 1,056 part-time workers – a total of 4,227 workers, as of 19th November.

The decline follows a decision by Jobsplus in July to halt the approval of new work permits for specific sectors deemed to have an oversupply of workers.

This move came after a labour market evaluation, which found that unemployment data and employer vacancies no longer justified the influx of additional foreign workers. As a result, Jobsplus ceased issuing new permits to both TCNs already in Malta and those intending to migrate for such jobs.

In August, ride-hailing platform Bolt reported a surge in prices due to a reduced supply of cab drivers struggling to meet increasing demand. This price volatility coincided with the refusal of hundreds of work permit applications for non-EU nationals.

Prime Minister Robert Abela described the decision to restrict permits as a strategic move aimed at addressing market saturation.