Pakistani nurses at Mater Dei applied personally for job

Following reports from the Opposition on One News and newspaper Kullhadd, which published “incorrect and misleading information” on the recruitment of nurses from Pakistan, the health ministry said that nurses got accepted to work in Malta based on their personal capacity.

The recruitment of 47 nurses from Pakistan, selected to work at Mater Dei Hospital, came after an open call on February 2, 2010. “Contrary to what was reported in the media, it was not an urgent call for nurses, simply an open call,” the ministry said.

The employment of nurses is exclusively regulated by a contract signed between nurses, on an individual basis, and the Health Ministry. There is no arrangement between the Ministry and a third party regarding the recruitment of nurses, and no such third party has the power to terminate a nurse’s employment under the Ministry, it said.

“However, any other contract signed by the nurses has no impact on their employment with the Ministry.”

In its statement, the ministry said it has held discussions with the Central Visa Unit within the Foreign Ministry on the Visa application procedure of Pakistani nurses, and were subsequently given instructions from the same unit to apply with Italy’s Consulate in Karachi.

“While the Ministry is responsible for employment licences, prospective employees themselves apply for a Visa. Also, nurses are requested to have a valid Visa before their arrival in Malta, not once already working in Malta.

The ministry also made reference to the employment of nurses from India. Four nurses from the same country have been employed so far and started work in the past weeks.