The Association of Temping and Outsourcing Agencies (AFTA) acknowledges yesterday’s Budget 2025 announcement as a significant step by the Maltese government towards improving the livelihoods of all those residing in Malta. AFTA expresses its commitment to support policies that enhance fair work opportunities, sustainable market regulation, and worker welfare in Malta.

AFTA maintains a strong position on the need for thoughtful regulation regarding the importation of non-EU workers, highlighting the importance of collaborative discussions with relevant stakeholders. Such discussions are crucial to ensure that regulatory actions positively impact the local economy and do not unintentionally hinder the circular economy, which benefits from the contributions of all workers in Malta.

In response to the government’s upcoming labour migration policy, AFTA welcomes the government’s commitment to address non-EU worker turnover. However, the association insists on meaningful dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the new policy accurately reflects the realities of today’s market. AFTA notes that recent frameworks and process changes, while intended to address turnover, may inadvertently work against this goal by making it challenging to attract and retain migrant workers in Malta.

AFTA also reiterates its belief in the integrity of most employers within the temping and outsourcing industry, who operate in compliance with ethical standards. While acknowledging that a minority of employers may engage in malpractice, AFTA urges policymakers to avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, the association advocates for targeted measures that focus on reducing turnover, which would, in turn, motivate agencies to invest in training and skill development rather than risk losing employees shortly after arrival in Malta.

Additionally, AFTA welcomes the government’s intentions to update the Work Regulation Orders (WROs), urging that these reforms accurately reflect the realities of today’s labour market. Appropriate WRO revisions will be key in fostering a dynamic, fair, and competitive employment landscape in Malta.