Skill Card for Foreign Workers in Malta: Requirements and Benefits

The Maltese government is introducing a skill card requirement for third-country nationals employed in the hospitality industry including hotels, bars, and restaurants, this coming 2024. The move is aimed at enhancing the quality of workers and better matching labour needs in the tourism and hospitality sector. The course leading to a skill card which will include an English language proficiency test and a basic course in customer care and hospitality. It is envisaged that the fee for this Skill Card will be at €575 to obtain.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) support for the measure in principle. The skill card is expected to improve the quality of the workforce in Malta's hospitality sector and ensure that workers have the necessary skill to provide a high level of service to customers. The move is also expected to help employers find the right workers for the job, reducing the skill gap and improving the overall quality of the sector. “However, solutions must be properly designed and sufficiently realistic to avoid exacerbating the current issues associated with labour supply constraints in the hotel and restaurant industry. This is a new reality for Europe, with most nations experiencing substantial workforce shortages. Malta is no exception.” Said by MHRA

Overview of Skill Cards in Malta's Hospitality Sector

Purpose of Skill Cards

The Maltese government is planning a skill card requirement for third-country nationals (TCNs) employed in hotels, bars, and restaurants in 2024. The purpose of this requirement is to enhance the quality of workers and better match labour needs in the tourism and hospitality sector. The skill card aims to ensure that workers have the necessary skills and competencies required to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently, and to improve the overall quality of service provided.

To be eligible for a skill card, third-country nationals must meet certain criteria. Before their visa and work permit applications can be finalized, they must first pass an initial skills evaluation. Obtaining a skill card : the necessary training course and evaluation will cost €450, and candidates must also pay an extra €125 for an in-person assessment once they arrive in Malta. Applicants will need to pay a total fee of €575 to obtain their skill card.

In conclusion, the introduction of skill cards for third-country nationals employed in Malta's tourism and hospitality sector is a step towards improving the quality of service provided to tourists. The skill card requirement ensures that workers have the necessary skill and competencies required to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently, which will benefit the workers, the businesses they work for, and the tourists they serve.