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Number of employed TCN cab drivers down by 19% since June
The number of third-country nationals (TCNs) employed as cab drivers in Malta dropped by 1,030 (19%) in five months due to a government crackdown on new work permits. Jobsplus data revealed that as of 19 November, 4,227 TCNs were employed as cab drivers (3,171 full-time and 1,056 part-time), down from 5,257 in June. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri attributed the decline to a July policy restricting new work permits in the cab and courier sectors, citing market saturation and worker exploitation by companies. In parliament, Camilleri did not disclose the
number of “blue papers” issued to TCN drivers, which facilitate employment changes or permit renewals. (Times of Malta)
Government says negotiations with MCAST staff will continue if industrial actions are lifted
The government has urged the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) to end industrial actions disrupting Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) operations since October 4. The dispute arose over a collective agreement
that expired three years ago. MUT’s directives limit faculty communication, delay assignment grading, and
hinder academic progress, sparking student protests. The Education Ministry emphasized that recent
government proposals, including significant financial offers, remain unaddressed by MUT. It clarified that the
dispute primarily concerns demands for changes in campus presence rather than financial terms. The
ministry reiterated its willingness to negotiate but insisted that discussions can only resume once MUT lifts
its directives.
New law to better protect the rights of persons with disabilities to be introduced
To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Malta’s Ministry for Inclusion announced significant progress on legislative reforms to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities. For the first time, discrimination against persons with disabilities will be explicitly recognised in Malta’s Constitution. The reform introduces expert panels to resolve complaints efficiently, offering remedies and imposing sanctions without lengthy court proceedings.
Minister Julia Farrugia highlighted that the reform empowers the Commission for the Rights of Persons with
Disability (CRPD) to address injustices proactively, tackling key issues like education, employment, and
accessibility. This historic law aims to build an inclusive society by ensuring dignity, equality, and proactive
measures to protect disability rights through robust enforcement mechanisms. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Budget plans not fully in line with Council recommendations – EC report
The European Commission has stated that Malta’s Draft Budgetary Plans are “not fully in line” with the Council Recommendation of 21 October 2024, citing concerns that emergency energy support measures are unlikely to be phased out before the winter of 2024-2025. In its report evaluating the fiscal policies of Member States, the Commission noted that most of the planned energy support measures do not appear to focus on protecting vulnerable households and businesses or incentivising energy savings. Specifically, it highlighted the continuation of indirect tax cuts on energy consumption and subsidies for energy production aimed at offsetting the costs of imported electricity and carbon emissions. (The Malta Independent)
One in three people in Malta will be 65 or older by 2050 – study
By 2050, one in three people in Malta is projected to be aged 65 or older, according to estimates from the United Nations Population Unit. Currently, the proportion stands at one in five.
These statistics were presented by Lisa Warth, head of the Population Unit, during a conference held in Malta by the International Institute on Ageing United Nations – Malta (INIA) and Healthmark. Warth discussed various global initiatives which Malta could take inspiration from as she highlighted the importance of promoting active and healthy ageing throughout life, offering citizens with long-term care and support, and integrating ageing issues across all policy fields. (Times of Malta)
Compilation against Roderick Cassar concluded
The compilation of evidence against Roderick Cassar has been completed, advancing the Bernice Cilia murder case closer to the jury stage. Both the prosecution and defence have concluded their submissions, with the parte civile confirming that the victim’s family is prepared to proceed to the next phase of the trial. Cassar stands accused of murdering his estranged wife, Bernice Cilia, who was fatally shot in the face and chest while on her way to work. His arrest followed a day-long standoff with police in November 2022. (Maltatoday)
