Record Number Of Persons With Disabilities Working In Malta

There are 5,649 people with disabilities currently registered in Malta’s workforce, more than three times the number recorded in 2012, when only 1,699 were employed.

This significant increase was highlighted during a visit to the Lino Spiteri Foundation by the Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Labour, Byron Camilleri, and the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia.

During the visit, the ministers met staff members who explained their daily work with companies and individuals with disabilities to ensure successful integration into employment.

They also observed training classes designed to prepare participants for the workforce. Minister Camilleri stated, “Over the past ten years, 1,400 people have received support from the Lino Spiteri Foundation, 88% of whom are gainfully employed. A further 1,162 individuals have benefited from job coaching provided by the foundation.”

He also noted that under the new Labour Migration Policy, companies that fail to comply with disability employment laws will not be able to hire workers from third countries, creating a fairer and more regulated labour market.

Minister Farrugia emphasised that the results are the product of a strong economy and clear strategy.

Since 2018, around 300 people with disabilities have been trained through the EU-supported INC programme and Way to Work, while the newly launched Skill UP initiative strengthens the skills of current employees.

Between 2020 and 2025, over 18,000 workers were trained to create more inclusive workplaces. She concluded that inclusion is a reality that must be reflected in society, with employment being a key tool to achieve it.

Currently, 14 people are participating in training, with ten more set to begin in November through the Headstart for Employment programme, which offers structured learning, one-to-one coaching, and workplace experience.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: DOI – Daniel Scicluna