Malta
New course for foreign workers on Maltese culture and language
A new course has been introduced for third-country nationals already in Malta, focusing on Maltese culture and the Maltese language.
The course makes it possible for third-country nationals working in Malta in lower-skilled occupations to be granted a two-year, rather than a one-year permit renewal.
This was a measure announced in the Malta Labour Migration Policy, aimed at introducing stability in the labour market.
A worker employed in a role considered low-skilled must complete this training programme and examination to be considered for a two-year residence permit renewal.
Meanwhile, if the employment is considered higher-skilled, the two-year extension is granted without the training programme, as long as all other residence permit requirements are duly satisfied.
In specialised schemes such as the Key Employment Initiative (KEI), the Special Employment Initiative (SEI), and the Blue Card directive, renewals of up to three years can be made. A three-year renewal is also possible for someone who has obtained a higher-level skills card in tourism and has a three-year employment contract.
The course covers areas such as Maltese culture, traditions, civic participation, legal awareness, personal and professional development, and the learning of the Maltese and English languages,.
The syllabus for this course was prepared by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, and it will be available to be offered by all licensed Maltese educational institutions.
Change to health screening process for work permits
The government migration agency Identità has announced that, effective 4 May 2026, all health screening for work permit applications must be completed through a new automated system. Paper-based submissions will no longer be accepted for new applications, renewals or change of job.
Health screening will now be required for all non-EU nationals, including those from low-risk TB countries carrying out “other” job categories, as part of the work permit process.
Paper-based health screenings will only be accepted if dated on or before 30 April 2026 and must be submitted by 5 May 2026. Any paper submissions received after this deadline will not be processed.
Doctors will be able to complete the health screening process by accessing the system from their end on provision of the applicant’s name, surname, ID card number, passport number, residence system number or HS code, which are to be provided by the applicant during the health screening visit. It is important that all required information and documentation is submitted, as otherwise the doctor will be unable to continue with the health screening.
Access to the automated system will be published here, together with the user manual and training videos in due time.
