Malta is continuing to refine its labour migration system with a stronger focus on integration, preparation, and long-term workforce stability. A key development in this direction is the introduction of structured training measures for third-country nationals, both before departure and after arrival.
The Ministry for Home Affairs Security and Employment Malta has rolled out a new integration framework under the Malta Labour Migration Policy, which now includes a pre-departure course as well as an in-country training programme for third-country nationals applying for work permits or renewing their authorisation to work in Malta.
Together, these initiatives aim to ensure that workers are better prepared before arriving in Malta and further supported once they begin living and working in the country.
One of the newest elements of this approach is the pre-departure course, designed to provide prospective workers with essential knowledge before they arrive in Malta.
The programme is intended to introduce key aspects of Maltese society, including basic cultural awareness, workplace expectations, and an overview of legal and administrative systems. By equipping workers early, the goal is to ease their transition and reduce integration challenges upon arrival.
In addition to the pre-departure component, a second training course is implemented once workers apply for or renew their work permits in Malta. This applies to third-country nationals seeking employment authorisation, as well as those already working in the country, depending on their specific scheme and circumstances.
By completing this course, eligible workers may become entitled to longer residence permit renewals, in some cases extending up to two years instead of the standard one-year period. The initiative is designed to encourage integration and reward long-term commitment to living and working in Malta.
The course is expected to cover topics such as:
- Maltese culture and traditions
- The legal and healthcare systems
- Basic Maltese and English language skills
Depending on the applicant’s pathway, participation and successful completion—including an assessment—may be required.
Malta’s labour migration system also includes several specialised schemes that may follow different rules. Frameworks such as the Key Employment Initiative (KEI), the Special Employment Initiative (SEI), and the EU Blue Card system can allow for longer permit durations, sometimes up to three years, depending on eligibility and individual circumstances.
The training programmes are expected to be delivered by approved educational institutions. Oversight and coordination may involve Jobplus, while residence permit applications and migration-related services are handled through Identità Malta.
Together, the pre-departure and post-arrival training courses reflect Malta’s evolving approach to labour migration. The aim is not only to support economic needs, but also to strengthen integration by helping foreign workers understand Maltese society before arrival and engage more fully once they are in the country.
As Malta continues to rely on international labour to support key sectors of its economy, this two-step framework represents a more structured and long-term vision for integration and workforce development.
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