Introducing Malta’s Skills Pass System
Malta has instituted the Skills Pass System to streamline the hiring process for third-country nationals (TCNs) and ensure fair evaluation of their skills. This innovative framework allows TCNs seeking employment opportunities in Malta to have their qualifications and skills assessed consistently. Let’s delve into the components of this system and its implications for both companies and employees in greater detail.
What is the Skills Pass System?
The Skills Pass System is a mandatory certification process designed to assess the qualifications and abilities of foreign nationals seeking employment in Malta. TCNs are required to undergo an evaluation of their educational background, professional experience, and language proficiency through this system. Accredited authorities conduct this assessment to determine whether the candidate’s skill set aligns with the demands of the Maltese labor market. The Skills Pass will be issued by the Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) in collaboration with Identità, the agency responsible for issuing work and residency permits. Upon successful completion of the assessment, TCNs are issued a Skills Pass, serving as evidence of their competency and eligibility for employment in Malta.
Why has it been created?
The implementation of the Skills Pass System aims to enhance the dynamism of Malta’s labor market with key objectives including standardization, quality assurance, alignment with market needs, and regulatory compliance. By establishing a consistent framework for evaluating TCNs’ skills, the system ensures uniformity and transparency in the hiring process. Moreover, employers gain confidence in the expertise of TCNs, as their credentials and skills are verified through a rigorous examination process.
Implications for TCNs
The Skills Pass System presents both advantages and challenges for foreign national employees. While it enhances TCNs’ prospects of securing employment in Malta and facilitates their professional development, some may encounter difficulties with language proficiency or documentation requirements. Moreover, concerns about potential discrimination or bias in the implementation of such systems are not uncommon. In this regard, many articles have been published in recent times which depict the problems associated with the implementation of such a system, for instance The Shift has addressed many concerns.
Practically, the cost associated with the Skills Pass System raises significant issues of accessibility and equity. The mandatory €475 fee for an online course by the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), described by industry sources as “just a new entry barrier,” poses a considerable financial burden for TCNs. This fee, combined with existing government charges for work permits and potentially illegal commissions paid to agents, creates substantial barriers to entry for many TCNs.
Furthermore, the online and automated nature of the course raises concerns about its efficacy and potential for abuse. Employers may question whether the system adequately evaluates candidates’ skills and whether it could lead to the exploitation of professional ‘exam takers’ who circumvent the assessment process, undermining the quality of candidates entering the Maltese workforce.
Additional Challenges
Additionally, the Skills Pass System presents challenges in terms of administrative burden and the need for continuous assessment and adaptation. The system’s requirements may create delays in the hiring process due to meticulous paperwork while ensuring ongoing effectiveness requires adjustments to evolving labor market conditions. Moreover, the online and automated nature of the system raises concerns about its ability to authentically assess TCNs’ skills and experiences, necessitating measures to prevent potential exploitation. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensuring the fair and effective integration of TCNs into the Maltese workforce.
In conclusion, the implementation of Malta’s Skills Pass System marks a significant advancement in the recruitment and integration of foreign nationals into the workforce. However, addressing potential issues and ensuring equitable application of the system is imperative to its success
