A new course has been introduced for third-country nationals already in Malta, focusing on Maltese culture and the Maltese language.
The course makes it possible for third-country nationals working in Malta in lower-skilled occupations to be granted a two-year, rather than a one-year permit renewal.
This was a measure announced in the Malta Labour Migration Policy, aimed at introducing stability in the labor market.
A worker employed in a role considered low-skilled must complete this training program and examination to be considered for a two-year residence permit renewal.
Meanwhile, if the employment is considered higher-skilled, the two-year extension is granted without the training program, as long as all other residence permit requirements are duly satisfied.
In specialized schemes such as the Key Employment Initiative (KEI), the Special Employment Initiative (SEI), and the Blue Card directive, renewals of up to three years can be made. A three-year renewal is also possible for someone who has obtained a higher-level skills card in tourism and has a three-year employment contract.
The course covers areas such as Maltese culture, traditions, civic participation, legal awareness, personal and professional development, and the learning of the Maltese and English languages.
The syllabus for this course was prepared by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, and it will be available to be offered by all licensed Maltese educational institutions.
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