Malta labour migration policy

Abstract

Rapid economic growth in Malta has led to a strong demand for labour. At the same time, the country has faced considerable challenges due to an ageing population and low fertility rates, resulting in a shrinking local workforce. To sustain employment levels—which have reached all-time highs—Malta has increasingly relied on the importation of labour. Over the past decade, the rate of labour migration has been among the highest in Europe, with foreign workers now comprising around one-third of the total workforce and playing a vital role across nearly every sector. However, this growth has also brought about significant strain on the country's infrastructure, environment, and public services, while contributing to rapid social change. In response to concerns around what has been perceived as unrestrained labour importation, Malta published its first labour migration policy for public consultation in January 2025.