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Government Initiates Measures to Regulate Non-EU Nationals

Government Initiates Measures to Regulate Non-EU Nationals
by
August 28, 2023
in Laws, NEWS Malta
263

In a bid to manage the influx of non-European Union (EU) nationals residing in Malta, the government has unveiled a series of measures, as declared by prominent government ministers. Acknowledging the economic contributions of these non-EU workers while expressing concerns over population growth, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed the government’s concerted efforts to curb this trend.

A Decade of Transformation

The Maltese archipelago experienced a remarkable demographic surge following the ascent of the Labour Party to power a decade ago. In 2011, Malta’s population stood at a modest 417,000 inhabitants. However, by 2022, this figure swelled to an unprecedented 542,000 individuals.

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana underscored the imperative for Malta to maintain an average annual economic growth rate of 4.2 percent. To achieve this, the population would need to reach a staggering 800,000 by 2040, unless an innovative economic model is formulated. Nonetheless, the influx of migrants, particularly from non-EU nations, has generated challenges including labor exploitation and mounting pressure on vital infrastructure, encompassing housing and transportation, prompting vocal apprehension from Maltese citizens.

Diverse Origins of Foreign Residents

The demographic composition of non-EU nationals in Malta is diverse, encompassing various nationalities. Approximately one-third of foreign residents originate from EU member states, with an additional seven percent hailing from non-EU European nations. Notably, Italians constitute the most prominent foreign demographic, accounting for 12 percent, closely followed by British residents at just over nine percent. Other significant nationalities include Indian and Filipino populations, each representing nearly seven percent of the non-EU contingent. The Maltese community also welcomes a considerable Serbian representation.

Strategic Actions to Curb Influx

Minister Camilleri elucidated that the government’s primary focus is curbing abuse and bolstering law enforcement against transgressors, encompassing third-country nationals, landlords, and employers alike. While the policy shift has not been explicitly discussed in cabinet meetings, eight cabinet ministers and senior officials corroborated the overarching shift to limit or diminish the influx of non-EU nationals. One minister pointed to Caruana’s projections as the catalyst for this shift, indicating that the government recognized the need for corrective action in light of these forecasts.

Reinforcing this perspective, recent surveys conducted by Malta Today and Times of Malta have expedited the recalibration of the economic strategy. Addressing concerns of overpopulation, the government is proactively exploring potential adjustments to immigration policies. Internal discussions within the cabinet and the parliamentary group of the governing Labour Party have been a consistent platform to deliberate the challenges posed by the presence of non-EU nationals.

Transitioning to Quality and Skill

Ministers expressed a discernible shift in policy orientation, transitioning from a focus on sheer economic growth to investing in sectors that necessitate fewer workers. The aim is to enhance the quality of life and prioritize value-added industries, aligning with the prime minister’s articulated vision. While this shift does not inherently entail the expulsion of individuals, it implies a selective approach by not replacing departing third-country nationals.

Prioritizing Skilled Immigration

The government’s emphasis on skilled immigrants underscores the intention to cultivate a workforce that caters to the country’s evolving needs. The influx of non-EU nationals has been dominated by low-skilled workers, prompting the need for a recalibrated approach. A pivotal change in the assessment process, overseen by Jobsplus, involves a labor market means test facilitated by Identity Malta as a prerequisite for granting work permits. Beyond evaluating paperwork compliance, the assessment now delves into the alignment of job roles with the nation’s economic requirements.

This shift has also impacted the taxi driver sector, an area significantly populated by non-EU nationals. Recent regulations stipulate that drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt, Uber, and eCabs must possess a Maltese or EU license. This regulatory alteration has led to financial setbacks for numerous aspiring non-EU taxi drivers who were either in the midst of application processes or already residing in Malta.

Collaborative Measures to Address Overcrowding

Immigration policing and housing regulations have recently converged to address the burgeoning issue of overcrowding in rental properties. Capitalizing on this convergence, law enforcement is concurrently performing immigration checks. Evidently, numerous individuals are compelled out of the rental market due to landlords exploiting the demand from non-EU nationals willing to accept overcrowded living conditions for reduced individual rents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the Maltese government seeking to limit non-EU nationals’ presence?
The government aims to mitigate challenges arising from an inflow of non-EU nationals, such as labor exploitation and strain on infrastructure. While recognizing contributions, a shift in policy aims to balance population growth with sustainable development.

What prompted the government’s policy shift regarding non-EU nationals?
Forecasts by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana indicating the need for significant population growth to maintain economic growth prompted the government to reevaluate its approach and explore alternatives.

How is the Maltese government prioritizing skilled immigrants?
The government seeks to enhance the workforce by focusing on skilled immigrants who align with the country’s evolving needs. This move aims to reduce reliance on low-skilled workers.

How has the government addressed the taxi driver sector’s composition?
New regulations require taxi drivers on ride-hailing platforms to possess Maltese or EU licenses, impacting non-EU nationals. This has led to financial setbacks for individuals in the process of application.

What measures are being taken to address overcrowding and immigration enforcement?
A collaborative effort between immigration police and the Housing Authority aims to combat overcrowding in rental properties. This initiative provides a platform for simultaneous immigration checks to address compliance with residency regulations.

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