{"id":626,"date":"2025-08-27T12:41:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T12:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.konnekt.com\/about\/?post_type=resource&p=626"},"modified":"2026-10-14T14:57:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T12:57:11","slug":"a-practical-guide-to-hiring-third-country-nationals-in-malta","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.konnekt.com\/about\/a-practical-guide-to-hiring-third-country-nationals-in-malta\/","title":{"rendered":"A practical guide to hiring third-country nationals in Malta (2025\/2026 regulations)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Malta has updated its Labour Migration Policy, with new rules<\/a> being rolled out in phases from August 2025. The focus seems to be shifting from simply increasing foreign worker numbers to hiring based on specific skill sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For businesses, this means tighter compliance requirements. Employers will face stricter obligations and tougher penalties under the new framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main goal is to prevent exploitation, protect the rights of TCN workers, and reduce unnecessarily high staff turnover<\/a>. The new system aims to match foreign hiring more closely with real workforce needs, while ensuring a level of fairness throughout the recruitment process<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new hiring process for TCNs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The mandatory labour market test (LMT)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As of October 2025, the Labour Market Test will become mandatory. Employers must advertise the vacancy on both the Jobsplus<\/a> portal and the European EURES<\/a> portal for at least three weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If any Maltese or EU nationals apply, employers need to provide Jobsplus with a clear, well-documented explanation of why those candidates aren\u2019t suitable. The process can only continue once Jobsplus accepts this justification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The single permit application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After passing the Labour Market Test, the employer submits the Single Permit Application<\/a> through Identit\u00e0\u2019s official portal. This step requires supporting documents, including the signed contract, proof of accommodation, and either MQRIC recognition of the applicant\u2019s qualifications or reference letters. If the applicant does not hold the required qualification, at least three years of relevant work experience must be demonstrated through reference letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main players here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n