The Government has announced it will begin implementing its revised Malta Labour Migration Policy, which follows a public consultation process held earlier this year. The policy aims to better regulate foreign labour by focusing on skills-based migration, improving worker protections, and ensuring that the benefits of migration are felt more directly by the Maltese workforce and taxpayer. The final version of the policy incorporates feedback from unions, employers, civil society, and the public. The following are the salient changes being brought into effect from 1st August 2025.
1. Minimum Termination Rates Allowed Prior to Application
This only applies to “New, still abroad” and “Change of Employer” TCN applications. Jobsplus will monitor employers on termination patterns by analysing date from Termination forms submitted to Jobsplus. In addition, Jobsplus will calculate a Termination Rate (TR) based on its own records of the employers through their MBR registration number. The TR will monitor precisely recruitment practices of the employer.
Termination is a wide term, the government lists categories and reasons for termination.
Employers with excessively high termination rates will fail the Labour Market Test (LMT), leading to application rejection
The Government lists the minimum termination rates for businesses of all sizes. The thresholds are;
- Micro firms (1–9): exempt
- Small (10–49): max 50% (dropping to 40% by July 2026)
- Medium (50–249): max 45% → 35%
- Large (250+): max 40% → 30%
The government also lists a number of exemptions and considerations.
The measure will start being gradually implemented from 1st August 2025 with phased introduction through 1 July 2026.
2. Vacancy Requirement
Employers must advertise the vacant position at least 3 weeks depending on occupation for Maltese/EEA/Swiss/TCN candidate already in Malta. The employer if he receives an application from Maltese, EEA or Swiss nationals and rejects it there must be reasons provided for the rejection.
Upon the completion of the advertising period, the Jobsplus website will generate a report which will become available for the employer, who must upload it as part of the single permit application, serving as evidence of compliance with the vacancy requirement.
Jobsplus has the authority to evaluate the advert and if the advert does not meet the criteria will be considered ineligible and the application will be automatically denied.
The government lists exemptions which will apply.
From 1st August 2025, Jobsplus will require evidence that a job advert has been active for 3 or 2 weeks within the previous 2 months without the need of placing the adverts on the Jobsplus/EURES portal.
From 1st October 2025, all adverts will be required to be posted on Jobsplus/EURES portals.
3. Redundancies
If an employer made a worker redundant (same role) in the last 12 months, new applications for that role will be rejected. This applies to redundancies for “business closed down” or “lack of work.”
Redundancies will be monitored for each employer based on their registration number as recorded in the Malta Business Registry.
4. Prompt Submission of Engagement & Termination Forms
Employers must submit engagement and termination forms for all employees, including TCNs who have been granted a work permit within 4 working days.
Failure to comply would result in;
- Suspension of all new TCN applications except for renewals
- Persistent failure may lead to temporary disqualification from applying for new TCNs
A gradual process to regularise all pending engagement and termination forms submitted up to 30 June 2025 will begin immediately. This process will continue until, but not later than, 1 January 2026. Jobsplus will contact each employer individually to explain how the regularisation will take place
5. Compliance with the Persons with Disability (Employment) Act (CAP 210)
Employers must meet the 2% employment quota for persons with disabilities or make an annual contribution.
Non-compliance will result in the suspension of the processing of all applications for TCNs, except for renewal applications. This suspension will remain in effect until the issue is rectified.
Employers applying for TCNs should be compliant by 1st of August 2025
6. Fees
The work permit fees will be changed as follows:
- First-time application: €600
- Renewal: €150/year
- Change of employer: €600
- Change of designation: €300
Health/elderly/disability care roles will be set at €150
All other lower fees remain unchanged.
The new fees shall apply from 1st August 2025.
7. Extension of Grace Period for TCNs Post-Termination
A proposed amendment which will be a more flexible approach which will grant TCNs a 30 day period after termination during which TCNs may legally remain in Malta to seek new employment. The amendment also includes an extension of another 30 days if the TCN can demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without accessing social assistance.
The revised grace period will start to be granted from 1st August 2025.
8. Salary Thresholds (KEI & SEI)
- KEI: €45,000/year (gross)
- SEI: €30,000/year (gross)
Thresholds in force from 1 August 2025.It is important to note that the policy related to the KEI and SEI will be revised more broadly in the coming months.
9. Restriction on Permit Applications from Non-Work Visa Holders
TCNs in Malta on tourist or other non-work visas cannot apply for single permit applications from the 1st of August. Exemptions are to be determined by Identità.
10. Renewal Verifications
Renewals will only be granted if original contractual working conditions are confirmed:
- Via documents
- Tax data checks
- Jointly assessed by Jobsplus and Identità.
11. Workforce Application Limits
Caps on how much an employer can grow their workforce with new TCNs:
- Micro (1–9): max +200% over previous year’s count
- Small (10–49): max +100%
- Medium (50–249): max +50%
- Large (250+): max +25%
12. Partners and Families
Residence permits with work rights (outside single permit system) for:
- Partners of Maltese nationals
- Parents of Maltese nationals under 23
Which measures will apply from October 2025?
- Salary Payment
All salary payments to newly engaged TCNs must be via licensed financial institutions (electronic payment). Cash is no longer accepted as a valid payment method. Applies to all TCNs who have their employment registered from 1 August 2025 onward.
- Interim Permits for Visa Waiver Nationals
TCNs applying for single permits within 60 days of Schengen entry will be issued interim permits allowing them to stay in Malta during processing. However, applications made between 61 and 90 days must await decision outside Schengen Area.
- Victims of Human Trafficking
TCNs recognised as victims of human trafficking who apply for residence permits under sub legislation 217.07 will be exempt from application fees. The new permits will be valid for 1 year rather than 6 months. They may be renewed throughout the entire duration of any related court proceedings.
For more information contact any of our Team Members from our Immigration Law Department.
