Catering Association Welcomes Mandatory Test For All Third-Country Nationals Working In Malta

The Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) has welcomed the government’s announcement that all third-country nationals will have to pass a test before being allowed to work in Malta.

A skill pass obligation for third-country workers in the catering and hospitality industry had already been introduced last year, but ACE argued that similar requirements should be introduced across the board.

Their argument was that if the government wants to push for higher quality, it should do so across the board, and not such in their industry.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri announced yesterday that, as of January, all TCNs who wish to work in Malta will have to pass a test on Maltese culture before applying for a job. The test will cost €250.

ACE welcomed this news, as well as the announcement that longer residence permits of two or three years will be considered for skilled workers and that Maltese and EU nationals will not require a skills pass or equivalent.

“ACE feels that the measures announced are fair and sensitive to the realities of the catering industry,” the association said.

“They also create a more level playing field for the industry in its constant challenge to recruit and retain TCNs.”

“ACE invites the relevant authorities for further discussions to ensure the smooth implementation of the second phase of the Labour Migration Policy.”