On January 8, 2025, the Maltese Government launched a new Labour Migration Policy for public consultation, which closed on February 9, 2025. Some measures will begin to be implemented as of August 1, 2025.
During 2025, 15 measures will begin to be implemented, with an additional five being rolled out on an ongoing basis.
Of the 15 measures scheduled for implementation in 2025, 12 will commence in August, while the remaining three will be introduced in October.
Measures starting August 1, 2025:
- Minimum termination rates allowed prior to application: Jobsplus will notify applicants if thresholds are exceeded, although no sanctions will be applied at this stage. A gradual approach to align the market to acceptable levels will be adopted. From October 2025, thresholds will be set 15 percentage points above the target rate and will gradually decrease by 5 percentage points every three months until July 2026.
- Vacancy requirement: From August 2025, applicants must provide evidence of a two- or three-week advertisement period on appropriate media platforms. From October 2025, advertising on the Jobsplus/EURES portal will be mandatory.
- Updated definition of redundancies.
- Prompt submission of engagement and termination forms: Employers will be notified if they are non-compliant from August 1, 2025. The process of regularization will occur gradually.
- Compliance with the Persons with Disability (Employment) Act (CAP 210): Employers will be informed of any breach immediately, with full compliance required by August 1, 2025. Sanctions will apply thereafter. Thereafter, applications for third-country national workers will be suspended until the end of the month during which the employer becomes compliant.
- Revised fees.
- Extension of the grace period for third-country nationals following termination of employment.
- New salary benchmarks for the KEI and SEI.
- Restriction of single permit applications for non-work visa holders.
- Verification checks on renewals.
- Workforce application limits.
- Measures supporting partners and families.
Measures starting October 1, 2025:
- Salary payment method for newly engaged third-country nationals.
- Interim permits for third-country nationals from visa waiver countries.
- Measures supporting victims of human trafficking.
Measures implemented on an ongoing basis:
- Assessment of shortages and surpluses: Jobsplus will continue to adopt and refine robust methodologies to assess labor market needs.
- Upskilling and integration of the foreign workforce: Jobsplus offers a range of training schemes and courses that see high participation from the local workforce. Various new initiatives will be introduced progressively over the coming years.
- Skills Cards to be rolled out gradually and as necessary.
- Specific strategic Partnerships will be announced following their finalization.
- A list of high-risk countries will be developed and regularly updated to reflect current risks.
Finally, a new national visa (D) will be launched to facilitate the entry of professional sportspersons, regulating the admission and temporary stay of third-country nationals who wish to undergo trials with Malta’s registered sports clubs.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.
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