‘We should care whether our international colleagues feel welcome’: Ramla Bay Resort GM

Ramla Bay Resort General Manager Henri Mattocks called for greater empathy and understanding towards third-country national workers following the measures introduced in Malta’s 2027 Budget.

“We ask our international colleagues to make people feel welcome in Malta. We should care whether they feel welcome here too,” Mr Mattocks said. 

Following the Budget, the Mellieħa hotel announced it will provide all TCN workers with an annual €400 contribution to cover the costs of a new work permit renewal fee. 

It said it will also introduce a service bonus for all employees, launch an employee social and wellbeing fund, and provide training support for colleagues who wish to attend Maltese language courses and participate in the I Belong programme, which is a prerequisite for long-term residence.

Mr Mattocks said these measures “give practical expression” to the hotel’s commitment to its workers. 

“Among them are parents raising children, people preparing to become parents, and individuals building a future for themselves and their families. Like all of us, they have responsibilities, ambitions and hopes,” he said. 

“Moving to another country for work also means building a life. Finding somewhere to live, forming friendships, adapting to a different culture, and seeking stability and belonging.”

"As hospitality professionals, we ask our colleagues to show kindness, patience and understanding. We ask them to help guests feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.”

"That responsibility extends to how we treat one another.”

While he acknowledged that the hotel’s measures won’t solve every challenge, he said they recognise the human impact of policy decisions.

“Their dignity comes from their humanity. Not from where they were born, and not solely from what they contribute to our economy,” he said. 

“I want our colleagues to know that their concerns matter. And I hope Malta continues to be a place where the people who help others feel at home can feel at home themselves."

Cover photo: Henri Mattocks/ LinkedIn