GTA CEO Joe Muscat says Skills Pass making life more complicated for employers and employees

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) CEO Joe Muscat states that the introduction of the Skills Pass is making life more complicated for employers and employees.

In comments to MaltaCEOs.mt, Mr Muscat noted that GTA’s latest survey indicated that 22 per cent of Gozitan businesses have been affected negatively.

The survey was conducted among members of the association during the past fortnight, covering the period between January and June.

Despite having responses from a wide range of tourism sectors in Gozo, like accommodation, restaurants, diving centres, transport and tour operators, among others, the survey was answered anonymously.

Therefore, when asked which sectors were negatively impacted the most by the Skills Pass, responses could not be quantified.

Asked to comment further on the survey results, Mr Muscat shared that impact was mostly attributed to “added bureaucracy” while also citing more complicated ways for employees to obtain their work permits.

A lengthier and more complicated process in obtaining a work permit increases concerns over lack of human resources.

Understaffed businesses are not new in Gozo, and this was further underscored in the survey.

Survey findings indicate that 42 per cent highlighted a lack of human resources as one of the primary challenges faced by Gozitan businesses. On the other hand, increased competition (52 per cent) and economic conditions (44 per cent) are also of concern.

Concerns over bureaucracy and backlog have already been raised in the past.

In June, several employers reached out to this newsroom expressing concerns that their new recruits are yet to receive an appointment for the online interview.

However, a representative from the office that had spoken with BusinessNow.mt remarked that bookings for interviews were opened on 10th June, three weeks after the certificate for the first phase of the process could be issued, “as pre-established and previously communicated with the industry.”

The representative had insisted that there were no backlogs.

Finding the right employees is no easy feat and so, to further remedy issues with the Skills Pass, Mr Muscat stated that the association is recommending TCNs who fail their assessments be allowed to resit the exam.

Furthermore, Mr Muscat expressed his belief that applicants employed in Gozitan establishments should also be allowed to do the required skills tests at the ITS Campus in Qala, Gozo, to minimise the inconvenience.

Asked whether the government is in contact with the association to monitor how things are progressing with the adoption of the Skills Pass, Mr Muscat shares that GTA is in contact with the administration of ITS to monitor any updates.

What is the Skills Pass and how does it affect the employer?

The Skills Pass was introduced and was made mandatory in May where TCNs will be assessed on their level of English, knowledge about Malta’s tourism offering, and basic hospitality skills. Failure in passing assessments in this regards, will not allow individuals to work on the islands.

From the start of 2025, those currently in Malta will need to obtain the skills pass upon renewal of their work permit.

On the other hand, all other current European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) employees in the industry will be required to have a Skills Pass by January 2024.

However, employers who engage Maltese and European workers without the required Skills Pass will not face any penalties.

The programme for the skills pass is split into two phases.

The first phase includes a mandatory online course covering English proficiency, customer care, general hospitality practises, and knowledge of Malta’s tourist offering.  The online course, delivered by AI instructors, carries a fee of €450.

Completion of this initial phase is followed by an online verification interview, which is mandatory for employees seeking to work in hotels, bars, restaurants, kitchens, housekeeping, and front office roles. The interview itself costs an additional €125

To combat cost concerns, in May, Malta Enterprise and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) announced the launch of a new support measure ‘Skills Pass Support’, in the form of a tax credit.

The new measure will provide up to 50 per cent subsidy to employers who are committed to enhancing the workforce’s skill sets by obtaining the Skills Pass.