Key Takeaways

·     Some sectors facing shortages include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, food service and hospitality, business and administration.

·      Recently, Malta decided to launch an initiative in an effort to attract highly skilled workers from other countries.

·      Foreign workers are considered to be important in supporting and boosting Malta’s economic growth.

Malta is facing labour shortages in 20 occupations, as revealed by the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses.

Some of the affected sectors include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, food service and hospitality,  business and administration, and transportation.

Moreover, with a population size of 542,051, as estimated in 2022, Malta consequently relies on foreign workers to fill job vacancies across various fields.

This implies that foreigners who are looking to live and work in Malta have a higher chance of securing employment in this country if they have the qualifications to fill in any of the vacancies.

According to the latest EURES report, the following roles are facing a shortage of workers in Malta:

1.     Messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters

2.     Manufacturing labourers not elsewhere classified

3.     Building construction labourers

4.     Cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments

5.     Car, taxi and van drivers

6.     Security guards

7.     Health care assistants

8.     Child care workers

9.     Shop sales assistants

10.  Bartenders

11.  Waiters

12.  Accounting and bookkeeping clerks

13.  Contact centre information clerks

14.  Bookmakers, croupiers and related gaming workers

15.  General office clerks

16.  Chefs

17.  Administrative and executive secretaries

18.  Office supervisors

19.  Business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified

20.  Managing directors and chief executives

On the other hand, Malta has not reported any surplus occupations, as per the report mentioned above.

Malta Looking to Attract Highly-Skilled Workers

In addition, Maltese authorities are looking to attract foreign workers, in particular highly-skilled ones. Regarding this, Identita – an agency under the Maltese government – decided to launch the Specialist Employe Initiative (SEI).

SEI provides an alternative for highly skilled third-country nationals who lack eligibility for the Key Employee Initiative but possess relevant academic or technical skills for their job offer in Malta.

“Only third-country nationals who have a signed contract with a Maltese-registered company are eligible to apply.” – Identita Agency

Moreover, the Malta Employer Association (MEA) considers foreign workers as a crucial element in Malta’s logistics industry.

At the 2023 National Forum hosted by MEA, President Joanne Bondin highlighted the essential role of foreign workers in supporting and boosting economic growth.

“EU and third-country nationals have filled employment gaps in the logistics sector that might have otherwise hindered its development. They augment the labour force, enabling companies to meet the escalating demand for their services.” – Joanne Bondin, the President of MEA

Is a Visa Necessary to Work in Malta?

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Malta. However, within three months after arriving, they must register with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

Meanwhile, citizens who do not belong to the mentioned countries are required a visa in order to work in Malta. The Maltese authorities provide three types of work permits: the single permit, key employment initiative, and EU Blue Card.