[WATCH] Refugees must learn Maltese or English to overcome job difficulties

Research shows that lack of basic knowledge of both official languages in Malta hampers the employment of refugees

Challenges are often encountered when it comes to the language barrier caused by the lack of knowledge of Malta’ official languages, with employers referring to this as a huge problem
Challenges are often encountered when it comes to the language barrier caused by the lack of knowledge of Malta’ official languages, with employers referring to this as a huge problem
Refugees must learn Maltese or English to overcome job difficulties

The lack of a basic knowledge of Maltese and English is one of the main challenges faced by refugees and their employers in Malta, research has shown.

This research, which focused solely on refugees  – persons who are unable to go back to their country of origin for fear of persecution, as differentiated from an economic migrant – also highlighted problems related to the recognition of skills and qualifications, and a lack of cultural orientation courses.

Challenges are often encountered when it comes to the language barrier caused by the lack of knowledge of Malta’ official languages, with employers referring to this as a huge problem, Jobsplus official Ylenia Vella said. “If a colleague shouts ‘stop’ and the migrant doesn’t know the meaning of the word, this could create a dangerous situation. So we try and cultivate their knowledge of Malta’s official languages.”

Vella recommended that both employers and migrant employees strive to understand what is needed from both sides. “Jobsplus meets with various stakeholders and NGOs to discuss how to make the situation better for migrants,” she said.

Amongst the forms of training offered by Jobsplus are courses offering basic English and Maltese for employment, she pointed out. “We teach migrants practical words to integrate themselves at the workplace better and understand fundamental words – we teach them vocabulary integral to their jobs.”

Work permit procedure too complex

The research showed that there is a general sense of confusion regarding the correct procedures to apply for a work permit in Malta.

Employers spoken to said that the link between the different types of statuses and their corresponding work permit I a major impediment for the employment of refugees.

Employment licenses, which gives a person permission to work in Malta, are required from third-country nationals, with Vella saying that the employment agency was only responsible for part of the process for granting such a license.

“When many employers complain about work permits, they are often frustrated with the long process involved in issuing an employment license,” Vella underscored.

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Beneficiaries of humanitarian protection, such as refugees and asylum seekers, are exempted from a labour market test, so the process is actually shorter for them to be given an employment license, Vella said.

Refugees unaware of their employment rights

The urgent need for cultural orientation courses was mentioned as an issue by both employers and refugees, UNHCR Malta official Sarah Farrugia said.

“Employees seem to be unaware of their rights under Maltese law,” Farrugia said.

In this regard, employers, recruitment agencies and government stakeholders have expressed the need for an initial induction programme explaining Maltese culture and practices.

Other challenges Farrugia mentioned included the recognition of qualification, with the lack of opportunities to have such qualifications recognised and the long delays in the relate processing amounting to a barrier to entering the labour market.

Farrugia said it was also moreover found that it was difficult for refugees to open bank accounts.

Both employers and employees experienced problems related to long delays in processing ID cards and the general lack of knowledge on refugee and asylum issues of front desk officers when it comes to opening accounts with local banks.

Refugees with protection in Italy or other countries being unable to work in Malta was another stumbling block, Farrugia said.

These refugees often work illegally in Malta, making them susceptible to abuse and exploitation.

The rise in rental prices, salaries not reflecting the cost of living and racism where also noted across the board as being problematic issues.

Employers adapting to multiculturalism

Some good practices emerged from the study, with the adaptation of employers to multicultural workspaces being chief amongst them.

Despite admitting that the transition to working in a multicultural environment is not an easy task, there have been companies which were very active in promoting the inclusion of refugees at work, the research showed.

Examples of this include having a prayer room at work, and adapting working hours to avoid clashes with prayer time and Ramadan.