Labour migration policy to be published for public consultation in the coming days

The government’s labour migration policy is set to be published for public consultation in the coming days, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said on Tuesday following discussions with the Maltese Council for Economic and Social Development

By: independent.com.mt

Jan 07 2025
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The Ministry for Home Affairs stated that the labour migration policy aims to change the way in which workers from third countries are brought to Malta. Minister Camilleri commented that the government has heard from many while designing the policy, and believes that while it is “very proud of the progress our country has made in recent years”, certain consequences must still be addressed even when talking about success. He said that the way in which the country manages the entry of workers from third countries is one such consequence, and continued that the government will therefore launch a “strong policy for public consultation… keeping in mind the interest of the country and the principles on which we are designing this policy”.

Camilleri remarked that the principles of the policy, which the Ministry stated are stability in the labour market, the protection of workers’ rights and working conditions, the need for labour immigration to reflect the needs of the country, as well as an emphasis on skills and training, are principles that “everyone should agree with”.

Parliamentary Secretary for Dialogue Andy Ellul said that the government is continuing to maintain a principle of dialogue in regard to “big and important changes that the country is facing”. He added that the government has a plan of where it wants to go, “but this is a plan that we are carrying out with full consultation and with an emphasis on social dialogue”.

MCESD Chairperson David Xuereb spoke of the MCESD’s position as a platform where subjects of national relevance can be discussed prior to a public consultation. He said that the initiative represents a step towards sustainable planning of labour migration in Malta “with the aim of enhancing the quality of life and economic development while maintaining balance in the labour market”.

Xuereb said that the social partners within the MCESD presented important suggestions to the government, and continued that collaboration and dialogue remain essential to develop balanced and practical solutions. “All this must be linked to the Vision for Malta 2050, in order to ensure that every decision is part of a long-term plan for a sustainable and inclusive future,” he added.