17/09/2023
Update news of Malta government!!!
We realise that there is a lot of panic and uncertainty at the moment, so let me try to summarise a bit regarding TCNs and work permits.
1. TCN means Third Country National, so anyone who are not a citizen of an EU member state, an EEA country or Switzerland. Stop trying to claim it is a racist term. It is not.
2. The Maltese government has stated that they wish to reduce the number of TCNs in Malta. This will mainly impact those who are applying for new permits based on unskilled labour jobs. Unskilled labour means jobs that require no specific education or experiencing, such as cleaner, delivery driver, taxi driver, construction labourer, shop assistant etc etc.
New applications, and also some renewals, are likely to be rejected for these types of jobs. Change of employer for unskillled labour might also be rejected.
3. KEI and highly skilled workers who's qualifications are in high demand are still likely to have their applications approved.
4. There are logical reasons for this, plus stupid reasons.
First of all, there is an election coming up next spring, so the government is in panic mode because their voters are unhappy with the population explosion. This panic mode will change to a different panic mode as people leave, since less people also means less money for landlords and employment agencies. We'll just have to wait and see what the next unplanned action will be.
Second, Malta is now actually "full up" in terms of workers. Unemployment is 2.5%, which in economical sense equals full employment. Everyone who wants a job can get a job. Maybe not their dream job, but a job. That means there simply is not an actual need for unskilled labour. Many TCNs are here unnecessarily, as harsh as that might sound.They are here because an agency could charge them money to come, not because they were actually needed for the job they do.
5. If you have a job and work permit as an unskilled labourer, stay put for now. Wait for this to blow over.
6. If you have a new application under processing, be prepared for a rejection.
7. Whatever you do, DO NOT COME ON A TOURIST VISA LOOKING FOR A JOB! Enforcement on this technically illegal method is likely to increase, and you risk both deportation and a Schengen wide 3 year entry ban.
