Skills Pass for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

On the 25^th March 2024, the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) announced the launch of the Skills Pass for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, a verification process initiated by the Government of Malta that allows skilled individuals in the Tourism and Hospitality sector to gain recognition for their skills and be able to work in Malta in this industry.

Following an extensive period of consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders, the Skills Pass was launched on 25th March 2024. The journey towards this milestone began with a public consultation launched on October 26th, 2023, and concluded on November 16th, 2023. Due to overwhelming response and engagement, ITS continued its discussions with stakeholders through key meetings until December 12th, 2023, ensuring comprehensive consensus.

Throughout this process, ITS engaged actively with key stakeholders and parties, fostering an environment of collaboration and input. Feedback from the industry was overwhelmingly positive, expressing support for introducing a vetting process for foreign employees while providing valuable suggestions for ensuring a smooth transition. These suggestions were carefully considered and implemented to enhance the effectiveness of the Skills Pass.

During the launch event, Mr. Pierre Fenech ITS CEO, and Mr. Mark Bugeja ITS R&D Manager, provided insights into the extensive work and technical aspects behind developing the Skills Pass portal system. A feature of the event was the presentation of a short video featuring key stakeholders expressing their positive views on the project, highlighting its benefits for all parties involved.

The Skills Pass verification process is split into two phases. In Phase 1 – Online Training and Assessment, candidates undergo a series of assessments after registration, including English proficiency, basic customer care, and specific courses related to Maltese tourism products and hospitality. Following successful completion of these assessments, candidates choose an occupation from a selection of job families. Phase 2 involves an online interview via video conferencing, with candidates verified through personal identification documents and previous Phase 1 completion. Recorded interviews are reviewed weekly to maintain standards, with protocols in place to address any issues. Upon successful completion of Phase 2, candidates receive the permanent Skills Pass, enabling them to work in Malta’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The Skills Pass process in the tourism and hospitality sector will be officially published by March 2024, with Phase 1 online courses and assessments available from 8th April 2024. Malta Enterprise will launch a scheme in April 2024 to assist local enterprises in paying for the courses through tax credits. Phase 2 online verification interviews will be accessible from 6th May 2024. In May 2024, the Skills Pass requirement becomes mandatory after a two-month standstill period following the legal notice’s publication, as per the Small Business Act. Starting January 2025, non-EU or European Economic Area employees seeking work permit renewal must undergo the Skills Pass verification. Additionally, from January 2026, all EU, European Economic Area, and Maltese workers in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry will need the Skills Pass certificate for employment within the sector.

Following the public consultation, fees for various categories related to the Skills Pass process have been revised. Non-EU/EEA individuals living abroad and intending to work in Malta’s tourism and hospitality industry will incur a fee of €475, while those residing in Malta for less than a year will pay €455, and those residing for over a year will pay €375. Non-EU/EEA ELT students will be charged €335, and sector skilled workers registered by an MTA licensed establishment will face a fee of €280. However, it’s important to note that non-EU/EEA internship students, EU/EEA/Maltese employees working within the tourism and hospitality industry, and students undertaking full-time courses with licensed local education institutions are exempt from these fees.

For more information, please visit the Skills Pass website on skillspass.org.mt