Foreign workers
Malta has rolled out a compulsory pre‑departure course for all foreign workers applying for a Single Permit, the identity and immigration authority Identità announced. The rule, which takes effect from March 1 2026, requires non‑EU nationals to complete two online modules and pass a live interview before their first‑time work permit can be processed. Applicants must also obtain a Pre‑Departure Course Certificate, a document now essential for the approval of any Single Permit application.
The new course is divided into two parts. Part 1, mandatory for every applicant, includes two online modules, one on life in Malta and another on workplace rights and obligations. Each module demands ten to twelve hours of study, featuring video lessons, reading material, practice assignments and a final assessment. After finishing the modules, candidates sit a twenty‑minute live interview conducted by ITS Malta or an authorised Global Assessment Centre to confirm English proficiency and comprehension of the content. Applicants have up to forty‑two days to complete Part 1 in full.
Part 2 applies only to workers in sectors governed by specific legislation, such as tourism and hospitality. Those seeking jobs in these fields must complete additional online modules and assessments managed by the relevant sector authority, based on National Occupational Standards. Only after satisfying both parts can a candidate qualify for a Single Permit in the designated sector. The requirement adds a layer of sector‑specific certification on top of the standard course.
The entire application process remains online, but the final verification interview must be attended in person at a designated assessment centre. Identità began formally verifying the new certificates as part of the work permit approval process from the start of March. The move places Malta among an increasing number of European nations that are formalising integration standards before foreign workers set foot on their soil, a shift that will directly affect Africans and other non‑EU nationals seeking opportunities on the island.
In a related development, Malta’s Identità agency recently published eligibility criteria for the Specialist Employee Initiative, a fast‑track route to a Single Permit for non‑EU workers. The scheme demands that third‑country nationals earn a stipulated minimum salary per year under a contract with a Maltese‑registered company. While the fast‑track route remains separate, the new pre‑departure course will apply to all first‑time applicants, regardless of the permit stream they pursue.
Industry observers note that the added requirement could extend the time needed to secure a work visa, especially for candidates unfamiliar with online learning platforms. Employers in tourism and hospitality may need to adjust recruitment timelines to accommodate the extra certification steps. The policy also aims to ensure that incoming workers are better prepared for life in Malta and understand their rights, potentially reducing disputes and improving workplace integration.
Identità has not indicated any further changes to the Single Permit system beyond the pre‑departure course. The authority encourages prospective applicants to begin the online modules early to avoid delays. As the new rule takes effect, foreign workers and their prospective employers will need to deal with the updated process to secure employment on the island.
