Malta Employers

29/10/2026

Malta Employers President Ivan Refalo, speaking on the Viva Malta programme about Budget 2027, appealed for all stakeholders to come together to discuss measures affecting businesses and third-country nationals (TCNs).

He stressed the importance of greater consultation by government, ensuring that employers and other stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives before policies are introduced. Open dialogue is essential to developing balanced measures that address Malta’s challenges while taking into account their impact on employers and employees.

29/10/2026

Malta Employers President Ivan Refalo took part in a debate on the Viva Malta programme to discuss Budget2027.

In this clip, he shares his views on the measures introducing additional costs for third-country nationals (TCNs) and their potential impact on the business community. The discussion raises important questions about the implications of these measures for employers, foreign workers and Malta’s economic model.

27/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Malta Employers takes note of the consistent increase in public expenditure in Education. Taken in isolation, this is positive. However, the socio-economic interest of the country requires more tangible and commensurate results from such expenditure especially given Malta's recently announced 2025 PISA results which revealed a significant decline in the educational performance of students in reading, mathematics and science, in which Malta scored below the OECD average on all counts.

Malta Employers therefore believes that this decline poses a risk to the country's economic trajectory, as it affects the workforce's ability to fill skilled roles in finance, iGaming, and technology sectors. In this regard it expected the Budget Speech to announce tangible measures for the review of Malta’s Education system to support the economic transformation that the country requires.

𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

Malta Employers noted the substantial increases in Eco-Contribution on regular tourists from €1.50 to €8 per night and from a maximum charge of €22.50 to €64.00 per person per visit besides newly announced contribution on cruise passengers. Whilst these announced charges may contribute to a re-dimensioning of the tourism industry as recommended by the Association in advance of the Budget, Malta Employers calls for caution in ensuring that the industry does not suffer a sudden and considerable loss of price attractiveness in the market with an impact in terms of arrivals, bed-nights and tourist spend over the forthcoming months.

Read the Malta Employers Budget 2027 full reaction here: https://lnkd.in/dU8ZYU35

27/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

Malta Employers is disappointed with the lack of clarity on a decision about a mass transport system which is regarded as another missed opportunity given that there is an appetite for political consensus from the Opposition. Of course, the Association understands the cost of this mammoth project but it encourages the authorities to view the investment in the context of the benefits it will bring on the environment, productivity and the quality of life of people who are frustrated with time lost in traffic in their daily lives.

𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Association has taken note of various references to environmental issues in the budget speech and attempts to address them through various measures and projects announced. Nevertheless, the Budget Speech did not seem to make any concrete direction to diversify the economy from excessive construction to other sectors.

Read the Malta Employers Budget 2027 full reaction here: https://maltaemployers.com/media-item/malta-employers-budget-reaction/

27/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀

Malta Employers denounces the announced increases fees for new applications for Single Permits for workers originating from third countries from which shall increase from €600 to €800 plus an additional €400 per new applicant or renewal as a contribution for the infrastructure.

These fees and contributions shall eroding Malta’s attractiveness as a country to work in whilst making it even more difficult for local employers to recruit workers to serve the population in care homes, hospitals, supermarkets, catering, waste management and transport.

Furthermore, third-country nationals (TCNs) shall lose their eligibility for free public transport and free childcare. Of particular concern is the new administrative monthly fee of €83 for holders of Category B and B1 driving licences and the announcement that foreign driving licences will be valid for only 12 months from entry into Malta and this period will not be renewed if the driver leaves the country and re-enters.

Whilst the Association has no issue with drivers requiring a Maltese licence, it must be ensured that Transport Malta is able to handle the demand flow for licences efficiently without backlogs that are currently experienced and which place business continuity at risk in a number of strategically important sectors such as waste-management and distribution.

Full reaction:

https://maltaemployers.com/media-item/malta-employers-budget-reaction/

27/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 & 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀

Malta Employers appreciates the cushioning of the international price of fuel on the local economy by providing stable prices but acknowledges that such neutralisation has an opportunity cost and a monetary price equivalent to €400 million which must be paid from tax revenue or deferred through borrowing.

The Association appreciates the short-term economic benefit of the subsidies in terms of their contribution to a more stable price level and export competitiveness but continues to insist that energy subsidies must not encourage wasteful energy consumption especially at a juncture when energy generation and distribution are struggling to meet peak demand.

“𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀”

Similar considerations apply to the payment by government of the “Super Bonus” as announced in the Budget Speech. Once again, Malta Employers continues to maintain that public expenditure should be assessed by the value it creates. Current expenditure that sustains short-term consumption without raising productivity should be better directed towards smart investment in technology, skills, digital infrastructure, energy security, industrial capacity, regulatory efficiency and export capability.

Full reaction: https://lnkd.in/dqiewQsQ

27/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

Malta Employers has consistently advanced policies that address Malta’s demographic and socio-economic challenges and in this context, it welcomes the continued tax cuts for parents as announced.

The Association appreciates the intentions of this measure with respect to rewarding families with children in view of Malta’s declining birth rate. This, however, is a multi-faceted challenge that requires a national, cross-sectoral response. Whilst welcome, fiscal measures of the kind announced in the budget speech must form part of a holistic plan which must also include awareness-building initiatives, incentives for flexible work arrangements and stronger childcare and parental support infrastructure to render family life more compatible with professional aspirations.

Full Budget Reaction: https://maltaemployers.com/media-item/malta-employers-budget-reaction/

26/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵

Malta’s rapid economic growth has generated employment, increased incomes and supported public finances. However, the pressures on infrastructure, the labour market, the environment and the cost of living underline the need to reconsider not only how fast the economy grows, but also the type of growth Malta should pursue.

Malta Employers expected Budget 2027 to set out a clearer roadmap for economic transformation, with concrete measures to encourage productivity, innovation, investment in technology, skills development and higher-value economic activities. While the Budget addresses a number of immediate needs, it offers insufficient detail on how Malta will move towards a more sustainable and productive economic model, reduce its reliance on population growth and labour-intensive activity, and improve the quality of life of its residents.

Malta Employers noted that the Budget Speech sought to maintain short-term stability in prices, incomes, consumption and economic growth. However, the Association observed that less attention was given to the long-term priorities essential to sustaining the country’s economic transformation.

In particular, greater emphasis is needed on investment in education and reskilling, digital technology and automation, as well as infrastructure, to support a more productive, innovative and sustainable economy.

The Association welcomes measures that support families, including tax reductions for parents, and recognises the short-term benefits of energy subsidies in cushioning the impact of international prices. However, these measures must form part of a broader strategy that addresses demographic challenges, strengthens energy security and ensures that public expenditure delivers lasting economic and social value.

It also welcomes the reduction in tax for SMEs with a turnover of less than €1million from 35% to 25%.

Malta Employers is particularly concerned by the lack of concrete detail on incentives for businesses to invest in digitalisation, automation and higher-value activities, as well as the absence of a clear direction on mass transport and economic diversification. At the same time, increases in fees affecting foreign workers and tourism require careful assessment of their implications for employers, competitiveness and prices. Investment in education must also deliver stronger outcomes to equip the workforce with the skills needed for Malta’s future economy.

The Association believes that economic policy must go beyond sustaining existing activity. Malta needs a clear, long-term strategy that raises productivity, encourages innovation, supports families and businesses, and ensures that economic growth translates into lasting improvements in competitiveness and quality of life.

https://maltaemployers.com/media-item/malta-employers-budget-reaction/

26/10/2026

Making AI Work for SMEs - From Policy to Practice

How can SMEs turn the potential of Artificial Intelligence into practical business opportunities?

Malta Employers invites you to the half-day conference: Making AI Work for SMEs - From Policy to Practice.

We're bringing together employers, policymakers, public authorities and business stakeholders to explore AI adoption, future skills, productivity and the support available to businesses.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
🕘 Time: 08:15–13:30
📍 Venue: Trident Park Conference Hall, Mriehel

Register now: https://maltaemployers.com/events/sme-week-conference-making-ai-work-for-smes/

Watch the event promo video: https://youtu.be/s-5LGq7fr-o

In collaboration with: Malta Digital Innovation Authority | Malta Business Registry - MBR | National Skills Council | Identità Malta | Family Business Office Malta | Tech.mt | APS Bank | Malta Development Bank | National Statistics Office - Malta | Malta Enterprise | Business First | Xjenza Malta | General Workers’ Union GWU | Government of Malta - Artificial Intelligence Unit - Office of the Prime Minister

Malta SME Week | Ekonomija | Promoting Enterprise

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

26/10/2026

AI for SMEs: improving productivity, not cutting jobs

A survey by Malta Employers found that 76.3% of respondents identified improved efficiency or productivity as the main motivation behind their organisation’s approach to AI. Only 2.4% cited cost reduction. These findings confirm what Malta Employers has been saying in recent weeks. Employers are constantly looking at ways to improve and expand their operations, become more productive and make better use of the resources available to them.

The survey findings will be presented in full at Malta Employers’ SME Week conference, Making AI Work for SMEs, on 24 November 2026.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/dxxgvSNE

The conference will explore how businesses can use AI to streamline processes, improve productivity and strengthen customer engagement.

📖 Read the article for more insights ahead of the conference.
https://thebusinesspicture.com/2026/10/25/smes-see-ai-as-route-to-greater-productivity-malta-employers-survey/

Maltese SMEs view artificial intelligence primarily as a tool to improve productivity and efficiency rather than reduce costs…