Exciting news! Malta has introduced the ‘Specialist Employee Initiative’ – a game-changing program that promises to fast-track the application process for highly skilled foreign workers. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for the European island nation to combat skill shortages in its labour market. The future is looking brighter than ever for Malta!
University graduates or those in a managerial/technical role making €25,000+/year can apply for the scheme. Employers must prove no Maltese/EU workers can fill the role.
The program processes skilled third-country national applications in 15 days, while fast-tracking highly paid managers or technicians within five days through the “Key Employee Initiative” and “Specialist Employee Initiative” respectively.
The number of foreign workers coming to Malta has significantly increased, rising from 15,000 in 2012 to 97,000 in 2022 (a 546% increase), according to data from Jobsplus. However, a Eurobarometer survey conducted last year revealed that nearly two-thirds of businesses in Malta were struggling with a shortage of skilled workers in the local labour market.
The surge in migration, particularly from third (non-EU) countries, has raised concerns about worker exploitation and put pressure on the country’s infrastructure, including housing and traffic. Maltese citizens have expressed concerns about the impact this migration influx is having.
In response to the criticism, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that while the government is working to address and manage population growth, the local workforce supply does not meet the demand. The introduction of the ‘Specialist Employee Initiative’ aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing skill gaps and ensuring a smoother integration of skilled foreign workers.
With the fast-track process now in place, the Maltese government aims to strike a balance between meeting the demands of the labour market and addressing the concerns raised by citizens regarding the challenges posed by increased migration.
According to the AIDA Asylum Information Database report, a total of 973 people applied for asylum in Malta in 2022. This takes the total number of cases pending to 1,730. Some 15 people were granted refugee status, and 172 were offered subsidiary protection.
In addition, 783 were rejected, taking the rejection rate to 30 per cent, while the refugee rate was 0.6 per cent. The issuance of subsidiary protection rates reaches 6.5 per cent. The main countries of origin are Syria (243), Eritrea (93), Bangladesh (78) and Ukraine (92).
Looking forward to getting more information on the migration program Call or WhatsApp us 00974 4493 4528
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