‘I’m Here Because I Want To Give My Son A Better Future’: TCN Who’s Been Working In Malta For Two Years But Had His Permit Refused
A third-country national who was working in Malta for two years decided that he wanted to change company, however, his permit application was rejected by Identita Malta and he’s been left scrambling to find a way to pay for his five-year-old son’s schooling.
MK has been working in Malta since 2022 and in May, he applied for a change of employment permit because the stress of being a computer technician became too much. He decided that he wanted to become a cab driver and was looking forward to what felt like a needed change.
Last week, exactly one week after receiving the “blue paper” that would permit him to drive until formally approved, he woke up to the life-shattering news that his permit was rejected and he has no way to sustain his family, including his young son who is set to start school next month.
“I’m very depressed. I have a son and I want to give him a better future, that’s why I’m here. But now, I don’t know how and where to get an income while waiting for the appeal,” MK told Lovin Malta.
MK’s family all live in the Philippines, he explained that it’s already hard for him to work abroad and be away from his loved ones but the determination to give them a better life keeps him going.
He explained that he understands that regulation needs to be put in place for newcomers, however, he pleaded to Prime Minister Robert Abela to consider cases of people who have lived and worked in Malta for years and just needed a bit of a change.
“It’s very unfair that they’re not just refusing newcomers. I hope the Prime Minister will give chances to people like me.”
He’s now searching for jobs in any sector to be able to support his family.
MK is one of many workers in Malta who have been hit by a new policy aimed to restrict the amount of foreign workers coming into Malta and while the government assured that those already employed will be safeguarded, several who have decided to change employment after years of working on the island were refused.
These were refused by Identita Malta on the recommendation of JobsPlus.
Meanwhile, according to different fleet companies speaking to Lovin Malta, renewals have not been refused or approved. Months have passed and those waiting to renew their work permits remain without an answer.
It must be noted that besides this being a policy to limit TCN workers, it also aims at targeting abusive employers who provide sub-standard working conditions.
Lovin Malta has sent questions to learn more about these abuse cases and is currently awaiting a response.
Do you think people working in Malta for years should also be targeted by this new policy?
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