Philip Rizzo, CEO of Malta's Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) stated that Malta's labour legislation is well in place to provide the essential protection needed by an employee working in Malta. In addition, the legislation is supported by governmental departments that ensure compliance with employment legislation.
According to ETC, there is no need for any radical overhaul to prevent exploitation by employers, particularly following the Single Permit Directive that came into effect in July 2014. As per this directive, the application for single work and residence permits is to be submitted by non EU-EEA citizens looking to reside and work in Malta and not by any employer.
Since the transposition of the Single Permit Directive in July of last year, applications for work permits by non EU/EEA citizens are being handled by Identity Malta. As any work permit issued by Identity Malta is granted directly to the applicant, ETC clarified and highlighted that although the employer holds the right to terminate a contract or term of employment, the employer cannot terminate the employee's permit to work and reside in Malta.
Therefore, in view of the current legislative scenario, there is no reason why the third country national who is granted the work permit should not be in possession of the permit at all times, since they would be the sole person with its possession.
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