Skills card for non-EU workers in tourism to be introduced next month
tarting in May, non-EU workers aiming to secure employment in Malta’s tourism and hospitality sectors will be required to obtain a skills pass. Originally slated for implementation in January, the pass, which comes with a fee of up to €475, was postponed for further refinement. Concerns raised by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association regarding the industry’s readiness prompted the delay. However, the government announced during a news conference on Monday that the skills card will now be compulsory starting in May. Additionally, from April 8 onwards, non-EU workers interested in jobs within the tourism and hospitality field can enroll in an online course covering English language proficiency, customer service, hospitality, and insights into Malta’s offerings for tourists. (Times of Malta)
Joseph Muscat drops case to remove magistrate from case
Former PM Joseph Muscat has withdrawn a court case alleging that his rights were violated by an ongoing magisterial inquiry. However, he has announced plans to initiate another case to continue his pursuit for justice. Muscat’s legal team informed Madame Justice Doreen Clarke of their decision to drop the case, which claimed that the former prime minister’s rights were infringed upon by an ongoing magisterial inquiry into the hospitals’ privatization deal, which was nullified by the courts last year. Following this development, Muscat took to Facebook to explain that he dropped the initial case and intends to file a new one. He cited the court’s refusal to allow him to present crucial documents, including a statement from the NGO Repubblika stating that he was not under investigation regarding the hospitals’ deal, as the reason for his decision. According to Muscat, this denial of presenting crucial evidence constitutes a violation of his rights. (Maltatoday)
PM says Malta’s neutrality secured in EU vote
Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed his contentment with securing a safeguard for Malta’s neutrality within a European Union agreement aimed at bolstering defense spending, affirming that the government prioritizes Malta’s interests above all else. Providing Parliament with an overview of the recent European Council summit, Abela noted that the proceedings commenced with addresses from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Discussions primarily revolved around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, alongside numerous impassioned discussions concerning the situation in the Middle East. (The Malta Independent)
