New course on Maltese culture and language introduced for third-country nationals

A new course focusing on Maltese culture and language has been introduced for third-country nationals already residing in Malta, the government announced.

The syllabus was prepared by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment and will be offered by all licensed educational institutions across the country.

Attendance for the course is mandatory and includes an examination. Applications can be submitted through the Identità website, while the exam will be coordinated by the government’s Examinations Department.

The course will enable third-country nationals working in Malta to qualify for longer residence permit renewals. However, this will only be granted if applicants are already trained, have received training while in Malta, or successfully complete the course and pass the examination.

The measure was first outlined in the Malta Labour Migration Policy and is intended to introduce greater stability in the labour market. According to Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, workers who are trained and familiar with Maltese society are better equipped to contribute.

“Foreign nationals who come to work in our country have the obligation to adapt to us, and not the other way around,” Camilleri said. “That is why we launched this course, as promised in the Malta Labour Migration Policy. They must also sit for and pass an exam to be considered, based on a number of other conditions, for a two-year permit instead of a one-year permit.”

He added that the initiative would result in a workforce that is better trained and more integrated into Maltese society.

Workers employed in roles classified as low-skilled will be required to complete the training programme and examination to be considered for a longer permit. The course will cover Maltese culture and traditions, civic participation, legal awareness, personal and professional development, as well as Maltese and English language learning.

For higher-skilled roles, a two-year extension will be granted on the basis of training. In all cases, the employment period must be covered by a valid contract.

Under specialised schemes such as the Key Employment Initiative, the Special Employment Initiative and the EU Blue Card directive, permit renewals of up to three years may be granted. A three-year renewal is also possible for individuals who obtain a higher-level skills card in tourism and hold a three-year employment contract.