Updated 1200
Tourism Skills Pass Filters Out Unqualified Workers as Pass Rate Stabilises
By December 2025, 98% of third-country nationals working in Malta’s tourism sector held a mandatory skills pass, according to the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) CEO. Introduced in May 2024, the system initially saw failure rates of about 50%, but pass rates later stabilised at around 75% as unqualified applicants stopped applying. Those who fail must leave and are replaced. The automated test, drawn from a large question database, assesses minimum skills standards for the sector,
though businesses may demand higher levels depending on their needs. ITS said the scheme ensures foreign workers meet basic competence requirements. (The Malta Independent)
Geologists warn Malta falling behind on construction safety
Malta’s planning and construction systems are failing to incorporate basic geological safeguards, leaving the country lagging behind its European neighbours and potentially putting people at risk, the President of the Malta Chamber of Geologists Peter Gatt has warned. He said geological science is not integrated into national planning or decision-making related to construction. According to Gatt, developments risk being built on unstable ground because there is no obligation for a geological assessment before a permit is issued. While the Planning Authority may approve major projects, builders may not fully understand the conditions of the ground they are building on. Although the Building and Construction Authority can require ground investigation reports, there is no structured link between the nature of the ground and the development permit. Gatt noted that countries such as Italy and Greece require mandatory geological assessments before excavation and construction begin. (The Malta Independent)
Earlier:
Abela defends energy subsidies and highlights economic stability
Prime Minister Robert Abela has insisted that the government will continue to protect families and businesses from rising energy costs by maintaining subsidies that keep prices stable. Speaking during a Women’s Day discussion alongside Lydia Abela, he noted that fuel prices had increased significantly in other European countries, while Malta has managed to keep petrol and diesel prices steady through government support. Abela said the country’s strong economy and public finances allow the government to maintain this stability despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf. Without subsidies, he said, fuel prices in Malta would be considerably higher. The Prime Minister also said the government remained determined to bring home Maltese citizens stranded abroad despite difficult circumstances. He added that negotiations for Manoel Island to be returned to the public were nearing completion and highlighted ongoing investment in open spaces to improve work-life balance. (TVM News)
Borg calls for more courageous Family Court reform
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has called for a more courageous reform of the Family Court, arguing that changes currently being proposed should go further to safeguard families and children. Speaking during a Women’s Day activity at the party’s headquarters, Borg referred to the government’s nine-point plan aimed at reducing the court’s caseload and speeding up proceedings. The government has said the reform will introduce specialised resources to deal with sensitive family matters with greater urgency and care, while also strengthening mediation between couples. Borg said reform was necessary and expressed hope that the process would lead to positive change, but insisted it should be more ambitious in protecting families. He also stressed the importance of having more women involved in decision-making, saying the Nationalist Party was committed to policies that prioritise equality and improve the quality of life for women. (The Times of Malta)
Survey shows gap between two major parties narrows further
The gap between the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party stands at around 7,500 votes, according to MaltaToday’s March survey. The difference between the two parties has narrowed slightly to 2.6 percentage points from 3.2 points recorded in January. Despite the smaller gap, Prime Minister Robert Abela has strengthened his lead over Opposition leader Alex Borg in terms of trust, widening the margin to 6.4 points from 5.4 points previously. The survey was conducted over the past two weeks amid political tensions over the appointment of the chief justice and rising global instability linked to the war in Iran. Based on a turnout of about 81%, similar to January’s level, the vote difference would amount to around 7,500 votes, down from 9,300 earlier this year. Labour continues to be affected by a higher abstention rate among its 2022 voters, although non-voters still appear more inclined to trust Abela than Borg. (Maltatoday)
