In reference to the implementation of the Malta Labour Migration Policy throughout 2025, a total of 15 measures will commence implementation, while an additional 5 will be introduced on a continuous basis. Of the 15 scheduled measures, 12 are set to begin in August, with the remaining 3 rolling out in October.
Measures commencing in August 2025:
- Monitoring of Minimum Termination Rates Prior to Application:
Monitoring of termination rate thresholds will begin in August. Jobsplus will alert applicants if thresholds are surpassed. No penalties will be enforced at this stage, as a phased approach will be taken to align the market with acceptable rates. As of October 2025, the threshold will be set at 15 percentage points above the target and will decrease by 5 percentage points every three months until July 2026.
- Vacancy Requirement:
Starting August 2025, applicants must provide proof that vacancies were advertised for two to three weeks on appropriate media channels. As of October 2025, advertisements on the Jobsplus/EURES portal will be compulsory.
- Redundancies:
Full implementation will begin on 1 August 2025. If an employer has made any worker redundant (regardless of nationality, including Maltese nationals) due to business closure or lack of work for the same job position during the previous 12 months, the application will be rejected.
- Timely Submission of Engagement and Termination Forms:
From 1 August 2025, employers who fail to comply will receive notifications. Regularisation will occur gradually.
- Compliance with the Persons with Disability (Employment) Act (CAP 210):
Employers found to be in breach will be informed immediately, and full compliance will be required by 1 August 2025. Sanctions will follow non-compliance. Applications for TCN workers will be suspended until the end of the month in which the employer achieves compliance.
- Updated Fee Structures:
Revised fees will take effect from 1 August 2025. The work permit fees will be structured as follows:- First-time applications: €600
- Renewal fee: €150 per year for the duration of the permit
- Change of employer: €600
- Change of designation: €300
- For occupations in the health sector and roles involving elderly and disability care, all fees will be set at €150.
- Any other fees currently below this threshold will remain unchanged.
- Extended Grace Period for TCNs After Employment Termination:
This will be fully implemented on 1 August 2025. The new flexible approach will be granting TCNs a 30-day period following employment termination, during which these TCNs may legally remain in Malta to seek new employment. Furthermore, it includes a provision to extend this initial 30-day period by an additional 30 days, bringing the total potential stay to 60 days, contingent upon the TCN demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support themselves without accessing social assistance.
- New Salary Benchmarks for KEI and SEI:
The updated benchmarks will be introduced on 1 August 2025. The revised salary thresholds for the KEI and SEI are the following:- KEI: an annual gross salary of at least €45,000 per annum
- SEI: an annual gross salary of at least €30,000 per annum
- Restrictions on Single Permit Applications for Non-Work Visa Holders:
Enforcement will begin on 1 August 2025. Applications from TCNs present in Malta on visas not allowing work (e.g. tourist visas) will be rejected. The engagement of sportspersons is exempted from this restriction. Identita’ shall have discretion to exempt applications, only in exceptional and genuine cases.
- Verification of Renewal Applications:
These checks will commence from 1 August 2025. Renewals will be contingent upon verification that the working conditions, as stipulated in the work contract at the time of single permit application approval, are being maintained. Jobsplus and Identita’ will request confirmation – including through information collected from tax authorities – that the working conditions are being met.
- Workforce Application Quotas:
Limits will come into force on 1 August 2025. Employers are eligible to apply for additional TCNs based on a fixed percentage of their workforce.
- Support Measures for Partners and Families:
These will be introduced starting 1 August 2025. The following categories of individuals will be issued a residence permit that explicitly includes a notation exempting them from the standard single permit process typically required for TCNs:- partners of Maltese nationals
- parents of Maltese nationals who are under 23 years old.
In such cases, an employment licence would still be required but this would be similar to that granted to beneficiaries of protection (on their own name, not restricted to an employer).
Measures commencing in October 2025:
- Salary Payment Method for Newly Engaged TCNs
As of 1 October 2025, all salary payments to third-country nationals whose employment have been registered from 1 August 2025 onwards, must be conducted exclusively via licensed financial institutions (electronic payments). Cash payments will no longer be recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the employment contract.
- Interim Permits for TCNs from Visa Waiver Countries
TCNs that originate from visa waiver countries and apply for a single permit within 60 days of entering the Schengen Area will be granted an interim permit allowing them to remain in Malta while their application is processed. However, individuals applying between 61 and 90 days after entering the Schengen Area will be required to await the application’s outcome from outside the Schengen Area.
- Support for Victims of Human Trafficking
Third-country nationals identified as victims of human trafficking who apply for residence permits under S.L. 217.07 will be exempt from application fees. These permits will be valid for one year rather than the current six months and may be renewed throughout the entire duration of any related court proceedings.
Measures introduced on an ongoing basis:
- Labour Market Needs Assessment:
Jobsplus will continue to develop and refine robust methodologies for identifying labour shortages and surpluses.
- Upskilling and Integration of Foreign Workers:
Jobsplus will maintain a wide range of training opportunities, with new schemes to be introduced progressively over time.
- Skills Cards:
These will be launched gradually and as needed.
- Strategic Partnerships:
Announcements will be made once specific collaborations are finalised.
- High-Risk Country List:
A dynamic list will be created and updated regularly to reflect prevailing risk assessments.
As a specialised immigration law firm in Malta, we handle numerous procedures for third-country nationals related to work permits, change of employment, family reunification, appeals and more.
We encourage you to contact us for support on [email protected].
Cet article est à titre informatif seulement et ne doit pas être interprété comme un avis juridique.
Article rédigé par Mme Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), rédactrice invitée, est une spécialiste du marketing et de la gestion d'entreprise avec un accent particulier sur les questions d'entreprise, comptables et juridiques.
Sciberras Advocates, fondé par Dr Adrian Sciberras, est un cabinet d'avocats basé à Malte. Le cabinet s'enorgueillit d'être multidisciplinaire, innovant et flexible afin de répondre aux évolutions et aux défis du paysage juridique local et international. Quelle que soit la complexité des demandes privées ou d'entreprise, Sciberras Advocates propose des solutions juridiques pratiques et rentables pour atteindre les résultats souhaités. Vous pouvez contacter Sciberras Advocates par téléphone au +35627795222ou par courriel sur [email protected].
