A coalition of lawyers and legal professionals in Malta has raised serious concerns over the country’s 180-day visa deadline, arguing that it imposes significant challenges on third-country nationals (TCNs) seeking employment in Malta.
Currently, TCNs can submit work permit applications while residing outside Malta. Upon approval, they receive an Approval in Principle letter which mandates that they present themselves at the Identita agency within 180 days. However, according to legal experts, this timeframe has become increasingly unrealistic for many applicants due to prolonged processing times for visa applications in their home countries.
As highlighted by the Times of Malta, this situation often results in applicants obtaining their visa only to find that their Approval in Principle letter has expired by the time they reach Malta. Until recently, this issue had been somewhat accommodating; those granted visas were permitted to enter the country and complete their work permit applications at Identita, even if their approval letters had lapsed.
However, recent reports indicate a troubling shift in policy, where individuals arriving at Identita with valid visas but expired approval letters have been informed that their visas are being revoked. Legal experts describe this development as a “drastic and concerning change” that has generated distress and confusion among prospective workers. They contend that this policy shift reflects an alarming indifference to the hardships faced by individuals who often risk much to seek employment and a better life in Malta.
In response to this predicament, the group of legal practitioners has urged the Identita agency to halt the revocation of visas for applicants whose approval letters have expired due to circumstances beyond their control. They advocate for a more “reasonable and humane solution” that takes into account the lengthy visa processing times and upholds the fundamental rights of affected applicants.
The lawyers have appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly, emphasizing that the current approach is unsustainable and contrary to the principles of fairness and justice that should guide the nation’s immigration system.
Malta’s Labour Market Needs Amidst Tightened Visa Regulations
Despite the tightening of visa regulations, Malta’s labor market is facing acute shortages in various sectors. The 2023 EURES report has identified deficiencies in 20 different occupations, encompassing areas such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, food service, hospitality, and business administration. This paradox highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach that accommodates both labor market demands and the rights of foreign workers seeking opportunities in Malta.
