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Government postpones mandatory Skills Pass for Maltese and EU Nationals
The government has announced that the mandatory Skills Pass for Maltese and EU nationals will be postponed from 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2027. Introduced in May 2024, the Skills Pass forms part of the Malta Tourism Strategy 2021–2030 and has already accredited over 13,000 workers in hospitality and catering. The extension follows close consultation with industry stakeholders and aligns with the recently launched Malta Labour Migration Policy. The Skills Pass will remain mandatory for third-country nationals. Managed by the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), the initiative aims to raise workforce standards in tourism. The government said it will continue working with partners to ensure smooth implementation and explore the possibility of extending the scheme to other sectors beyond tourism. (Ttimes of Malta)
European Commission Issues Positive Preliminary Assessment for Malta’s Third RRF Payment Request
The European Commission has given a positive preliminary assessment of Malta’s third request for €48.7 million under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Malta is set to receive a total of €328.2 million from the RRF to support sustainable, digital, and resilient development. The Commission confirmed that all required targets for this payment were met, covering areas such as public transport, digital skills, and anti-money laundering. Key initiatives include a newborn hearing screening programme and the construction of a near carbon-neutral school. Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to using EU funds for impactful national projects. The assessment now awaits final approval by the Economic and Financial Committee.
100 Route Buses Replaced in €28m Investment by Malta Public Transport
Malta Public Transport has invested €28 million in 100 new Euro 6 diesel buses to replace older vehicles, exceeding its concession obligations. Marking ten years of service, the company says this move supports its vision for a cleaner, safer, and more modern public transport system. The buses include advanced safety features such as camera-based mirrors, pedestrian collision alerts, blind spot monitoring, and driver fatigue detection. Passenger comfort is also improved with USB ports, upgraded seating, and real-time travel screens. Despite plans to electrify the fleet, a government decision to withdraw €41 million in EU funding last December halted the transition to electric buses and related infrastructure. The company has now invested over €120 million in its fleet to date.
Morning Briefing
BCA Issues 2,265 Contractor Licences as Law Comes into Effect: As of July 1, all demolition, excavation, and construction contractors in Malta must hold a valid licence to operate, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced. The move, part of broader reforms to professionalise and improve safety in the sector, follows the approval of 2,265 contractor licences by the Independent Contractor Licensing Committee. The licensing process was rigorous, including evaluations and outreach meetings across Malta and Gozo. Unlicensed contractors will be barred from operating. The BCA has also doubled its number of inspectors and plans to introduce mandatory Skill Cards for all site workers. Licences must be renewed every two years and are only valid once paid. Support is available via helpline 138.
Ethical hackers receive presidential pardon
Three Maltese students and a university lecturer have received a presidential pardon after being accused of unauthorised access to FreeHour, a popular student app. The case began in October 2022 when the students discovered security flaws in the app and reported them to its founder, requesting a bug bounty. One student briefly altered the system to demonstrate the vulnerability but restored it immediately. Instead of addressing the report, the founder alerted authorities. In November 2022, the students were arrested, strip-searched, and had their devices seized. In March 2025, they were formally charged, along with their lecturer, who had only reviewed their email. All charges have now been dropped. The Prime Minister’s Office said the pardon reflected the group’s good intentions and the need to modernise digital laws. (Newsbook)
Minister defends construction reforms, urges patience
Justice Minister Jonathan Attard defended recent construction sector reforms, acknowledging progress has been made but warning that results will take time. He admitted reforms gained momentum following the Jean Paul Sofia case but stressed that “years had been lost” beforehand. Attard spoke on TVM’s Xtra, alongside Opposition spokesperson Stanley Zammit. Zammit criticised the government’s approach as slow and fragmented, highlighting the long-delayed contractors’ licensing system, which still lacks proper classification. He argued that classifying contractors would benefit both consumers and legal enforcement. Even former minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi had acknowledged this need. Zammit also questioned the separation of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), suggesting it weakens oversight. Attard rejected this, arguing that keeping entities separate decentralises power but does not hinder coordination between them. (Maltatoday)
