Malta offers Special Work Permit to Nigerians and others to address labor shortage.

Malta’s Specialist Employee Initiative: Fast-Track Work Permits for Skilled Workers

Malta’s government has responded to the EU state’s shortage of skilled labor by issuing work permits to skilled workers from outside of Europe through the ‘Specialist Employee Initiative.’ This initiative provides a fast-track application process for skilled foreign workers in Malta, including workers from Nigeria.

Who Can Apply for the Specialist Employee Initiative?

Only nationals of third countries who have a signed contract with a business registered in Malta are eligible to apply for the SEI. The initiative is designed for highly skilled individuals from outside of Europe who hold the required academic, vocational, or technical qualifications specified in their job offer in Malta. The position secured must offer an annual gross salary of at least €25,000.

The Application Process

The application process involves the following steps:

1. The applicant’s employer must email a completed application along with all necessary attachments as requested. The application portal, Identitá, will seek the applicant’s permission before submitting the application and supporting materials.
2. Upon receiving the application, it will be reviewed, and both the company and the candidate will receive an informational email and an acknowledgment, along with additional instructions on how to pay the €300 application fee during the biometrics stage.
3. Applications may face delays or rejection if any documents are missing. A checklist is provided during the application to prevent this.
4. Once a decision is made on the application, the applicant and employer are informed via email. The standard government processing time for eligible applications is 15 business days from the date of submission.

Final Stage and Visa Requirements

– Successful applicants are granted a residence permit for one year initially. This authorization may be renewed for up to three years if the employee remains compliant with the eligibility criteria and their employment contract remains valid.

– For Malta work visa requirements, applicants need to submit various documents, including a valid passport, work visa application form, passport-sized color photos, work contract, CV, travel health insurance, proof of accommodation in Malta, and proof of booked flight to Malta.