Proposed Labour Migration Policy Generally Positive but Requires Key Adjustments

Malta Employers Provides Feedback to the Authorities on the Labour Migration Policy Consultation Document.

In its formal submissions to the authorities on the Labour Migration Policy consultation document, Malta Employers gave detailed feedback on the 32 Recommendations contained in the Document. This latest position paper was based on extensive feedback received directly from members during a special webinar held last month with the participation of almost 200 members.

As it had already pronounced in the media, Malta Employers considers the proposed Labour Migration Policy as necessary, especially given the demographics of the domestic labour market and the dependency of the economy on foreign labour.

Malta Employers has always promoted ethical work practices and views this document as a means towards a better regulated market which could benefit exemplary employers.
In its submissions, Malta Employers said it was necessary to clearly define disqualification criteria and to allow for employers to explain their case through a fair and efficient appeals process. For example, in terms of the minimum termination rate allowed prior to application (Recommendation 1), it advised that the term ‘termination’ be specified to include dismissals and redundancies, but not voluntary resignations, terminations during probation or dismissals occurring due to disciplinary measures. Besides, a considerable proportion of labour turnover in the private sector is due to high labour mobility which is often due to factors beyond the employer’s control such as employees opting to move to other, more attractive opportunities in other EU member states.

Malta Employers is consistent in its belief that work force retention is crucially important as it provides benefits to employers whilst reducing recruitment and training costs. A stable labour force is more productive and integrated into the company culture. Employers should not be penalized because of voluntary resignations whilst there should also be a consideration for seasonal activity that may cause fluctuations in labour demand.

All in all, Malta Employers commented favourably on the proposed policy through this still requires a degree of fine-tuning to match current and future requirements of the labour market as well as to allow for the necessary flexibility to allow economic sectors to operate smoothly, ethically and competitively.

The full position is available on this link: https://maltaemployers.com/resources/