The Association for Outsourcing and Temping Agencies (AFTA) has responded to the Maltese government’s recently announced Labour Migration Policy, acknowledging the importance of a holistic approach to updating labour migration frameworks while raising concerns about potential unintended consequences of some measures.
In a press release, AFTA commended Malta’s significant economic achievements over the past decade, driven by initiatives that have positioned the country as an EU leader in growth. The Association expressed its support for the policy’s consultation phase, emphasizing the need for collaborative input to safeguard Malta’s economic progress and reputation as a business-friendly nation.
However, AFTA cautioned against certain provisions in the policy that could unintentionally hinder company growth and competitiveness. The Association pointed out that measures such as penalizing employers for high turnover rates may disproportionately affect legitimate businesses, particularly those specializing in entry-level roles. AFTA highlighted the natural workforce mobility and turnover as part of economic progress and upskilling, suggesting that such penalties fail to address the root cause of the issue—rogue employers exploiting third-country nationals (TCNs).
“A worker cannot be made to stay in a job if he or she wants to move on,” AFTA noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics of the labour market. The Association argued that stricter enforcement against exploitative practices, rather than blanket restrictions, would provide a more sustainable solution.
AFTA also expressed concerns about the potential hurdles posed by measures like mandatory quotas for Maltese/EU workers and significant fee increases for first-time work permit applications. While supporting initiatives to protect workers’ rights, AFTA stressed the need to balance regulation with the realities of the labour market to ensure economic momentum is not stifled.
The Association committed to a thorough review of the proposed policy and promised to provide detailed, sustainable recommendations to the government. AFTA hopes its input will lead to necessary adjustments in the policy, avoiding the risk of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”
As the consultation phase progresses, AFTA reiterated its willingness to work constructively with policymakers to develop solutions that uphold workers’ rights while maintaining Malta’s position as a thriving, competitive business hub.
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