?A new course has been introduced for third-country nationals already in Malta, focusing on Maltese culture and the Maltese language.

The syllabus for this course was prepared by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, and it will be available to be offered by all licensed Maltese educational institutions.

The Ministry said that this course, for which attendance is mandatory, also includes an examination. While applications can be submitted through the Identita website, the exam will be coordinated by the Government’s Examinations Department.

It added that this course makes it possible for these third-country nationals working in the country to be granted a longer permit renewal. However, this will only be granted if the person is already trained, received training while in Malta, or after successfully completing this course and passing the examination.

This was a measure announced in the Malta Labour Migration Policy, aimed at introducing stability in the labour market, meaning that those who have been trained and have learned about Malta contribute more, as explained by Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri.

“Foreign nationals who come to work in our country have the obligation to adapt to us, and not the other way around. That is why we launched this course, as promised in the Malta Labour Migration Policy; they must also sit for and pass an exam to be considered, based on a number of other conditions, for a two-year permit instead of a one-year permit,” stated Minister Camilleri.

He added that, ”in this way, we will have workers who are better trained and more adapted to Maltese society. This is the way forward; this is the path we have designed, implemented, and are now reaping the benefits of.”

A worker employed in a role considered low-skilled must complete this training programme and examination, covering areas such as Maltese culture, traditions, civic participation, legal awareness, personal and professional development, and the learning of the Maltese and English languages, to be considered for a longer permit.

The Ministry said that, if the employment is considered higher-skilled, the two-year extension is granted on the basis of training. Naturally, the period must always be covered by an employment contract. In specialised schemes such as the Key Employment Initiative (KEI), the Special Employment Initiative (SEI), and the Blue Card directive, renewals of up to three years can be made. A three-year renewal is also possible for someone who has obtained a higher-level skills card in tourism and has a three-year employment contract.

Licensed educational institutions wishing to offer this course must inform Jobsplus by sending an email to qa.jobsplus@gov.mt.

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