The Malta Labour Party has actively engaged in the public consultation process regarding the Malta Labour Migration Policy, providing detailed feedback to the government. Labour Party CEO Leonid McKay expressed the party’s support for the policy during a press conference, discussing several reasons why the initiative is welcomed.

McKay stressed that this policy would allow the government to play a crucial role in managing the influx of workers from third countries. By regulating, controlling, and analysing the labour market, the government will have the authority to make informed decisions, ensuring that workers are brought in with proper oversight. This approach, McKay explained, aligns with one of the Labour Party’s core values: the protection of workers’ rights, irrespective of nationality.

A significant aspect of the Malta Labour Migration Policy, said McKay, is its focus on safeguarding the rights of both local workers and those from abroad. He emphasised that the policy marks a shift toward greater control by Maltese authorities. This control will allow for swift intervention if instances of exploitation or abuse occur, thus ensuring that the interests of both Maltese citizens and foreign workers are protected. Additionally, the policy stipulates that employers must first seek to hire Maltese and European workers before turning to third-country nationals, ensuring that local talent remains a priority.

Training for workers is also a key feature of the policy, with McKay highlighting the importance of equipping all workers with the necessary skills for the job market. He stressed that the policy would protect workers from exploitation, offering them a stable environment in which they can thrive. He also noted that the policy aims to maintain a balance between the arrival of new workers and the departure of those leaving Malta, ensuring stability within the local labour market.

Labour Party President Alex Sciberras echoed McKay’s sentiments, stating that the government’s policy addresses the challenges of economic success and aims to meet the needs of both present and future generations. Sciberras also took the opportunity to contrast the government’s approach with that of the opposition, specifically the Nationalist Party. According to Sciberras, the Nationalist Party seems intent on returning the country to a time of economic stagnation, with high unemployment, unsustainable pensions, and expensive utility bills. He reminded that during their time in government, the Nationalist Party had imposed austerity measures that burdened the people.

Turning to the issue of the Labour Migration Policy, Sciberras accused the Nationalist Party of failing to offer any substantial proposals.

While the Nationalist Party raised concerns about the number of foreign workers in the country, Sciberras argued that they failed to provide solutions or clear strategies for addressing these concerns. Instead, he claimed that the opposition simply attempted to appease various factions without presenting a coherent policy.

Moreover, Sciberras criticised the Nationalist Party for presenting a document filled with errors, particularly in relation to figures and calculations. He asserted that this demonstrated a lack of professionalism and expertise in dealing with critical national issues. In contrast, Sciberras pointed out that the Labour Party had produced a clear, evidence-based policy, developed through a thorough public consultation process, which had already begun to yield positive results.

The difference between the two parties, Sciberras concluded, is stark. The Labour Government, he said, is pushing forward with a forward-thinking and effective policy, while the Nationalist Party is mired in contradictions and failed proposals. For the Labour Party, the Malta Labour Migration Policy represents a commitment to addressing the needs of Malta’s workforce and ensuring a fair, regulated, and balanced approach to labour migration.