Updated 1245
AFTA Urges Consultation Before Expanding Skills Pass to All Foreign Workers: The Association for Temping and Outsourcing Agencies (AFTA) has urged the Maltese government to consult with industry before expanding the mandatory skills pass to all third-country nationals (TCNs) seeking work in Malta. Introduced in May 2024 for non-EU hospitality workers, the pass tests English, Maltese culture, legal rights, and workplace duties. While AFTA supports equal treatment across sectors, it warned against a one-size-fits-all policy, stressing the need for role-specific standards. AFTA President Fabio Muscat emphasised that applying identical criteria to all jobs could discourage vital foreign workers. The association also called for exemptions for certified professionals and plans to submit a position paper proposing a balanced, talent-friendly approach. (Times of Malta)
43% of Maltese say that Lack of Affordable Housing Needs to be Addressed in future – Eurobarometer Survey: A 2025 Eurobarometer survey of 555 Maltese respondents found that 43% view the lack of affordable housing as a future concern, but not an urgent one. Only 26% saw it as an immediate issue—among the EU’s lowest rates. Yet paradoxically, 40% still ranked it among Malta’s most pressing national problems, alongside poor public services (32%), unemployment (31%), and poverty (24%). The survey also showed that while efforts on climate change are acknowledged, many feel more action is needed. Notably, 88% reported improved working conditions over the past five years, far above the EU average of 35%, with just 4% saying conditions had worsened.
Maltese Families Having to Pay for Private Medical Care due to Long Waiting Times – Report: A World Health Organization (WHO) report warns that long waiting times for treatments in Malta are driving more people to seek costly private healthcare. The report, “Can people afford to pay for health care?”, highlights that one in 14 families face “catastrophic health spending,” with some forced to cut back on food or housing. Lower-income households and the elderly are most affected, with poverty risk among older adults rising from 21% in 2013 to 31% in 2023. Dental and diagnostic costs remain high, and medicine prices are burdensome, especially for chronic patients. WHO urges expanding the pink card subsidy scheme and improving access to affordable dental care and digital tracking of medicine use. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Delia and Borg to face off in PN leadership race
Adrian Delia and Alex Borg have confirmed their bid for the PN leadership, submitting their expression of interest before Sunday’s deadline. Their decision to contest each other has raised eyebrows, as the two were previously seen as close political allies. Both are viewed as representing the party’s more conservative faction, in contrast to much of the current parliamentary group. A few hours before the limit imposed by the Party, MP Mark Anthony Sammut and forrmer MP Franco Debono ruled themselves out of the race, with the latter suggesting that he would seek other roles within the party. (Times of Malta)
Civil workers to be protected by new law, PM says
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the government will soon propose a law to shield civil workers acting in good faith from legal action. The bill aims to provide protection, similar to insurance, for public officers who make honest mistakes while on duty—so long as they are not grossly negligent. Abela criticised the Opposition for offering no solutions and said the state must support its workers if they are unfairly taken to court. (The Malta Independent)
Man shot dead in Bidnija road rage incident
A 53-year-old man died after being shot in a suspected road rage incident in Bidnija early Sunday. The altercation followed a minor crash between a car and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist allegedly fired several shots before the victim attempted to drive to hospital, later collapsing in Burmarrad. He died soon after, marking Malta’s first murder of the year. A local warden present at the time was treated for shock. (Maltatoday)
