Guest Post: Why Malta Needs Third-Country Nationals In The Ride-Hailing And Delivery Sector
Malta is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented tourism, breaking records year after year. With the rapid growth of visitors and an increasingly mobile local population, the demand for efficient and reliable transport and delivery services has never been greater.
The rise of ride-hailing apps and food delivery services post-COVID-19 has become an essential part of daily life, providing convenience for both businesses and individuals. At the heart of these services are Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), whose contributions are proving indispensable in keeping Malta moving and ensuring businesses meet customer expectations.
Malta is expecting record-breaking tourism numbers this year, thanks in large part to the continued expansion of low-cost airlines adding new routes to the island and the excellent work done by the country in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. The first two months of passenger arrivals have already shown strong indications that this trend will persist, with projections suggesting that 2024 will set new records for visitor numbers. With more tourists arriving than ever before, the need for accessible and efficient transport services is at an all-time high.
Tourism has always been one of Malta’s most vital economic pillars, attracting millions of visitors annually. As visitor numbers continue to grow, so does the need for accessible transport services that can accommodate the increased mobility demands.
Ride-hailing apps have become an essential complement to Malta’s public transport system, filling gaps in coverage and offering more flexible travel options. TCN drivers are instrumental in ensuring that both tourists and locals can move efficiently, whether heading to hotels, restaurants, historical sites, or business meetings. Without these workers, Malta’s transport infrastructure would struggle to keep up with rising demand, leading to increased congestion, service delays, and reduced accessibility for those who rely on ride-hailing as their primary mode of transport.
Similarly, the explosion of food delivery and courier services has transformed the way businesses operate and how people access essential goods.
The convenience of ordering meals, groceries, and everyday essentials has become a staple for locals, expatriates, and tourists alike. From busy professionals who rely on quick meal deliveries to elderly residents who depend on couriers for their groceries and medication, the role of delivery workers is more than just a commercial service—it is a critical element of modern living.
TCNs make up a significant portion of this workforce, tirelessly navigating Malta’s busy streets to meet the needs of customers and businesses alike. Without their contribution, restaurants would face logistical difficulties in reaching customers, supermarkets would struggle to maintain competitive delivery services, and e-commerce platforms would be unable to meet the increasing demand for home deliveries.
Beyond convenience, these services have now become an expected part of daily life. Both the native population and Malta’s guests—tourists who visit the country—have grown accustomed to the efficiency and accessibility of ride-hailing and food delivery options. The sophisticated algorithms that power these services rely on a steady supply of drivers and couriers to function properly, ensuring that wait times remain low and prices stay affordable for users. If Malta experiences a shortage of workers in these sectors, it risks longer delays, higher fares, and a reduction in service reliability. This, in turn, would negatively impact both residents and visitors who now see these services as indispensable.
Moreover, as Malta positions itself as a prime destination for large-scale events such as concerts, conferences, and international gatherings, the need for a well-functioning transport and delivery infrastructure becomes even more pressing. A sudden influx of visitors places additional strain on existing services, and without a strong workforce of TCNs to handle peak demand, the country could struggle to accommodate the needs of event attendees. Efficient transport options and rapid food and parcel delivery play a crucial role in ensuring that special events run smoothly and contribute positively to Malta’s reputation as a world-class destination.
Challenges faced by TCNs
Despite their vital role, TCNs working in the ride-hailing and delivery sectors often face significant challenges. Many are subject to exploitative working conditions, unpredictable earnings, and lengthy bureaucratic hurdles to obtaining or renewing work permits. The reality is that while these workers sustain Malta’s transportation and delivery infrastructure, they often do so under difficult circumstances.
Ensuring fair treatment, proper regulation, and protection for TCNs in these sectors is not just a matter of ethics but also one of national interest. If Malta fails to support these workers adequately, it risks service shortages that would negatively impact both businesses and consumers.
The government must recognize that ride-hailing and delivery services are now fundamental to Malta’s economy and social framework. Striking the right balance between regulation and business sustainability is essential. Overregulation or excessive restrictions could force many operators out of business, creating a negative ripple effect on the broader economy. If these services decline, consumers will face higher costs, reduced availability, and an overall decrease in quality.
Wider economic advantages
It is also important to acknowledge the wider economic benefits these services bring. Ride-hailing and delivery businesses generate added value and employment opportunities across various sectors. Car dealerships benefit from increased sales, mechanics see higher demand for vehicle maintenance and repairs, insurance companies provide coverage for an expanding fleet, and fuel stations experience steady demand from thousands of vehicles operating daily.
Restaurants and retail establishments see increased sales as a direct result of delivery services, while mobile phone retailers and tech service providers benefit from the reliance on GPS-enabled devices and app-based platforms. Moreover, financial service providers handling digital transactions and cashless payment systems experience greater activity due to the expanding gig economy.
When shaping transport policies, the government must look at the bigger picture. Tourism and economic growth are crucial, but policies must also factor in the availability of human resources and the broader impact on the well-being of Malta’s native population. Beyond just meeting consumer demand, these services contribute to community empowerment, allowing TCNs to integrate into Maltese society while providing an essential service.
Encouraging tolerance and coexistence through structured policies will foster a more inclusive and diverse Malta, where foreign workers are not just seen as temporary contributors but as valued members of the community.
Rather than seeing migrant workers as a temporary solution, Malta must adopt policies that acknowledge their long-term importance to the economy. Streamlining work permit processes, enforcing fair labour practices, and improving working conditions in the ride-hailing and delivery sectors will ensure that these critical services continue to thrive.
If we want to sustain our tourism boom, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for our residents, we must appreciate, protect, and integrate the workers who make these services possible. Policymakers must take into account that as Malta continues to develop and attract large-scale events, a robust ride-hailing and delivery workforce is not just beneficial—it is indispensable. The success of Malta’s transport and delivery sectors depends on them, and now more than ever, we need them to keep Malta moving forward.
Adrian Sciberras is an advocate specialising in immigration and employment law. With a deep commitment to his country, he strives to contribute to discussions on sustainable growth and legal frameworks that support Malta’s future. He can be contacted on [email protected]
Lovin Malta is open to external contributions that are well written and thought-provoking. If you would like your commentary to be featured as a guest post, please write to [email protected], add Guest Post in the subject line and attach a profile photo for us to use near your byline. Contributions are subject to editing and do not necessarily represent Lovin Malta’s views.