What are the conditions applying for EU citizens seeking employment in Malta after may 1st 2004?
After 1 May 2004 EU citizens and their families will have the right to work in Malta. However, up till a period of seven years from the said date, Malta may apply safeguards in order to restrict such a right.
If Malta undergoes disturbances on its Labour Market which could seriously threaten the standard of living or level of employment in a given region or occupation, it may impose the said restrictions.
In this respect, Malta will retain the work permit system in order to monitor its Labour Market and thus will have advance notice of any situation that may arise. Such work permits will be issued automatically.
After this period of seven years, in the event of a disproportionate influx of EU workers, Malta may still seek a remedy, this time acting through the EU institutions, rather than unilaterally. This arrangement after the first seven years will apply indefinitely and will cover Malta’s position at any time in the future in the event of possible difficulties relating to the free movement of EU citizens in Malta. For more information about the opportunities for EU citizens to work in Malta it is advisable to contact the Eures Office, between Monday to Friday from 9.00am till 12.00pm or send an e.mail on eures@etc.org.mt. In the meantime vacancies will be also available on www.etc.org.mt.
This is the official position as at 30.04.2004
More information on the living and working conditions in Malta can found on the EURES website: http://europa.eu.int/eures/
