(Commonwealth_Europe) The Labour Party issued a statement highlighting the government’s progress in the public consultation process surrounding the Malta Labour Migration Policy. Prime Minister and Labour leader Robert Abela shared that the government had received an impressive number of submissions, about 300, from the public. These contributions are part of the ongoing effort to develop the country’s labour migration framework.
Abela emphasized the government’s commitment to elevating Malta’s tourism industry to a higher standard of quality. During a recent visit to the Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julian’s, he saw firsthand the substantial €50 million investment made in the hotel. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the management team, toured the facility and was briefed on the extensive work done to enhance both the quality of the services provided and the overall guest experience. The Resort’s General Manager, Michael Camilleri Kamsky, explained the significant sustainable initiatives underway, including the installation of a reverse osmosis system that generates all the water needed for the hotel and energy-efficient equipment designed to reduce the resort’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Abela remarked that this investment aligns perfectly with the government’s broader vision of collaborating with the private sector to bolster the country’s economic drive. He noted that such initiatives contribute to raising the bar for quality in Malta’s tourism sector. The Prime Minister also took time to meet with the resort’s staff, commending their dedication to delivering exceptional service to guests. He assured them that the government values their hard work and highlighted a recent initiative aimed at rewarding workers across the nation. Under the Labour government’s policies, workers will benefit from the largest tax cut in Malta’s history. This move is expected to keep around €140 million in the pockets of families, as workers will no longer pay tax on the first €1,000 earned. This policy, Abela explained, is designed not only to support families but also to benefit businesses by fostering a more productive workforce.
Abela stressed that a Labour government is adept at creating wealth while addressing national challenges. He noted the importance of maintaining a thriving economy, citing the situation before 2013 when unemployment was a significant issue, with over 7,000 people actively seeking work. The Labour government, through its policies, has since succeeded in generating job opportunities, resulting in a robust economy. He argued that scaling back economic opportunities or shrinking the labor market would ultimately harm the income levels and quality of life for both Maltese and Gozitan citizens.
Regarding the Malta Labour Migration Policy, Abela acknowledged that the government had implemented stricter controls on foreign workers to ensure the proper regulation of the labour market. He explained that the current consultation process had just concluded, and the feedback from the public was overwhelmingly positive. Third-country nationals contributed over 300 submissions, sharing their perspectives on their desire to work in Malta. Abela reiterated that this policy, the first of its kind in Malta, would prioritize the dignity of all workers. The government, he said, is committed to ensuring that both Maltese and foreign workers are treated fairly and under appropriate conditions.
This policy, according to Abela, aims to strike a balance between the interests of Maltese and Gozitan citizens and the needs of employers. It will regulate the influx of foreign workers without overburdening the local workforce and ensure that employers have access to the labor they need, while also safeguarding the rights and well-being of these workers. The Prime Minister concluded by mentioning that with the consultation phase now completed, the next step would be to implement the second phase of the Malta Labour Migration Policy. This will see the proposed measures put into action, marking an important step in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its labor migration system and economic growth.
