Malta Introduces New Labour Migration Policy

Jan 8 2025

Malta has introduced a new labour migration policy with 32 measures to regulate the employment of third-country nationals (TCNs) and promote worker retention, rights, and integration. The measures include:

Retention-focused measures: Employers with high termination rates will face penalties. Small companies with 50% staff turnover, medium companies with 40%, and large companies with 35% turnover will be barred from hiring new TCNs. Exemptions apply to micro-companies, certain industries (e.g., healthcare), and student workers. Employers who dismiss staff due to business losses cannot rehire for the same role for 12 months.

Work permit reforms: Renewal fees for retaining workers will drop from €300 to €150, while first-time application fees will rise to €600. Permits can be renewed every two years for workers with two-year contracts.

Grace period for job loss: TCNs who lose their job will have 60 days to find new employment, double the current period, provided they can support themselves financially.

Mandatory bank payments: Employers must pay TCN salaries via bank transfers to prevent underpayment and fake payslips.

Pre-departure training: TCNs must complete an online course on Maltese culture, language, and history before arriving. Workers in low-skilled roles will undergo further upskilling.

Preference for Maltese/EU workers: Firms must advertise jobs with local platforms for three weeks before seeking TCNs and justify rejecting EU applicants. New companies must meet quotas for Maltese/EU employees before hiring TCNs.

These measures, announced during a press conference led by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister Byron Camilleri aim to balance workforce needs while protecting workers’ rights and fostering integration.

#MaltaDaily

Martina Zammit To Take Break From Radio Due To Pregnancy

Jan 8 2025

Martina Zammit has announced a brief hiatus from radio as she continues on her pregnancy journey as she prepares to welcome a new member to her family.

She shared a photo with her Magic 91.7 colleagues Valentina, JD and Abel, as well as a clip of her debut with magic.

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A post shared by Martina Zammit (@tinaz_zee)

Martina has kept track of her pregnancy journey with Emma on social media, sharing behind the scenes from the road to motherhood.

Best of luck to both for this new phase in your journey!

#MaltaDaily

Michael Mifsud Visits Former Club FC Kaiserslautern’s Training Camp In Malta

Jan 8 2025

Legendary Maltese striker Michael Mifsud got the opportunity to visit former club FC Kaiserslautern’s training camp in Malta.

The German giants were and will be training at the Malta FA Training Grounds in Ta’ Qali.

FC Kaiserslautern were the first foreign club to take a chance on Michael Mifsud in 2001, when the striker was just 20 years old.

Mifsud spent 2 and a half years at the club who at the time were a regular in the German top division, the Bundesliga.

The Maltese striker managed to score 2 goals in 21 appearances for the senior team, whilst scoring an impressive 27 goals in 47 appearances for the B team which played in Germany’s 3rd tier.

Mifsud received a warm welcome from the FC Kaiserslautern delegation, led by club CEO Thomas Hengen and head coach Markus Anfang, both of whom are well-acquainted with the former Malta forward from his playing days at the German club.

A dedicated group of FC Kaiserslautern supporters, renowned for their strong connection to the team, traveled to Malta to watch their club’s training camp. The group included many families, further highlighting the club’s deep-rooted fanbase.

During the visit, Mifsud interacted with the fans, who eagerly took the opportunity to snap photos with the ex-striker. This visit coincides with FC Kaiserslautern’s celebrations of their 125th anniversary this year.

#MaltaDaily

Luca Arrigo Steps Forward With Manifesto To Contest General Election

Jan 8 2025

28 year old digital nomad and entrepreneur Luca Arrigo has stepped forward as an independent candidate for Malta’s next general election.

Arrigo kicked off his race with a ‘Manifesto 2050’, outlining his ‘comprehensive plan focusing on infrastructure development, policy reforms, economic modernisation and government streamlining.’

Aiming to position Malta as a beacon of ‘prosperity, freedom and innovation in the Mediterranean’, Arrigo proposes moves such as;

Establishing internet cables with Libya & Tunisia to position Malta as a regional tech hub;

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A post shared by Arrigo Luca (@luca_arrigo)

Implementing the Metro Plan and constructing artificial islands on Hurds Bank using construction waste and incinerated trash;

Lowering the age limit for 125cc mopeds from 18 to 16;

Allowing parents to homeschool children and introducing incentives for alternative education models;

Incentivising organic farming to promote health and sustainability;

Supporting Maltese entrepreneurs in acquiring farmland in Sicily to ensure a robust and organic food supply chain;

Shifting non-essential government roles to the private sector, amongst other proposals.

‘I represent a distinct Libertarian Capitalist Vision, which is currently not represented in Malta’, explained Arrigo. ‘Taking inspiration from the success of RFK Jr in the USA presidential campaign and Fidias in the Cypriot MEP elections. My policy is influenced by Javier Milei, Elon Musk and Marc Andreeson.’

What do you think of Arrigo’s proposals?

#MaltaDaily