MEA calls for simpler work permit system for foreigners

The Malta Employers Association wants to reduce the average processing time to an average of four weeks for the employment of third country nationals in Malta.

The recommendation is one of several by the MEA for the employment of non-EU nationals. Others include the establishment of a one stop shop for processing of work permits, removing repetition of work in extension of VISAs, simplify the labour market test to employ foreign employees, and minimise the administrative burden on employer and employees

A position paper will be presented in response to concerns by employers in many sectors of the economy about labour shortages.

“Over the past decade, there has been a consistent trend of an increased demand for labour which is being matched by a surge in female participation, later exit from the labour force, and an influx of foreign workers,” the MEA said.

Recent figures by ETC place the figure of foreign employees in Malta – from the EU and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) – at 27,000, which would translate at approximately 13% of the total labour force, a dramatic change over the years as the corresponding percentage a decade ago would have been in the region of 5%.

“Employers in general find that the process of engaging TCNs is too bureaucratic and is hindering them from accessing much needed human resources to achieve their organisational objectives. Although Identity Malta projects itself as being a one-stop shop for employing foreign employees, the experience of many companies shows otherwise as they still have to consult with numerous government departments to be able to source foreign human resources,” the MEA said.

The association said that in a country where economic growth depends on an increase in both demand and supply of labour, the management of a cosmopolitan labour force is a requisite for economic expansion, which implies being selective in the skills that are imported, safeguarding the security of our country and maximising efficiency and output of the labour force.

“Our recommendations will make it easier for many TCNs to be employed legally. In respect of the employment of irregular immigrants, we support the setting up of job brokerage offices as proposed by government to regularise the employment of migrant workers as a means of providing decent, regulated work for these persons. We have consistently condemned exploitation of workers, both Maltese and non-Maltese and urges all companies to behave ethically in their obligations as employers.”