Understanding the Skills Pass: A Comprehensive Guide

The Government of Malta has introduced new regulations mandating that employees in the tourism and hospitality sector must complete the Skills Pass. These regulations are designed to standardize and elevate the quality of service within Malta’s tourism industry. Below is a comprehensive guide for prospective candidates looking to work in Malta’s Tourism & Hospitality sector.

Overview of the Skills Pass

The Skills Pass is a mandatory requirement for all employees working in environments licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). It ensures that workers have the essential skills and knowledge to uphold high service standards. The process consists of two phases: online training and verification.

Phase One: Online Training and Assessment

The Skills Pass is a mandatory requirement for all employees working in environments licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). It ensures that workers have the essential skills and knowledge to uphold high service standards. The process consists of two phases: online training and verification.

  1. Registration

    Candidates must register on the online platform (https://skillspass.org.mt/registration) dedicated to the Skills Pass.

    Registrations is split according to the following candidate eligibility:

    • Non-European Union/European Economic Countries Area/EFTA (non-EU/EEA/EFTA) – Still Abroad
    • Non-European Union/European Economic Area Countries/EFTA (non-EU/EEA/EFTA) – Living in Malta
    • Summer Students (Valid for Six months)
  2. Assessments

    The mandatory assessments include:

    • English Proficiency Test
    • Basic Customer Care
    • Basic Maltese Tourism Product Course
    • Basic English for Hospitality Course
    • Online Skills Assessment relevant to the specific job.
  3. Completion and Confirmation

    Successful candidates receive a Phase 1 Confirmation, certifying that they have completed the online assessments

Phase Two: Online Interview and Verification

  1. Scheduling the Interview

    After completing Phase One, candidates schedule an online verification interview, allowing at least three weeks from the booking date to the appointment. An assessor will confirm the booking and provide further instructions via email.

  2. Interview Procedure

    On the day of the interview, candidates participate in the online interview through video conferencing.

    • Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals Requiring Visa: Attend the interview at the nearest VFS Centre.
    • Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals Not Requiring Visa: Visit the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta for the interview.

    Non-EU/EEA/EFTA nationals residing abroad or in Malta for less than a year are required to pass the Phase 2 interview

  3. Issuance of Skills Pass

    Upon successfully completing the interview, candidates receive the permanent Skills Pass, which authorizes them to work in Malta’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Key Details and General Rules

Payment Options: Courses can be purchased via PayPal or credit card.
Exam Retakes: One free re-sit is available for failed exams; additional re-sits can be arranged for a fee.
Completion Timeframe: Phase 1 must be finished within 42 days, with the option to purchase extensions if needed.
Skills Pass Portal: The portal oversees the entire process from registration to certification.
Exam Requirements: All exams are to be completed on the portal, with free re-sits provided for initial failure

Registration Categories and Fees

Non-European Union/European Economic Countries Area/EFTA (non-EU/EEA/EFTA) Still Abroad Phase 1 shall be available as from April 2024 – EUR475.00
Non-European Union/European Economic Area Countries/EFTA (non-EU/EEA/EFTA) Living in Malta for more than a year Phase 1 shall be available as from April 2024 but enforced as from January 2025 – EUR375.00
Non-European Union/European Economic Area Countries/EFTA (non-EU/EEA/EFTA) Living in Malta for less than a year Phase 1 shall be available as from April 2024 but enforced as from January 2025 – EUR455.00
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Summer Student with a student visa studying in Malta Registration shall be available as from April 2024 but enforced as from January 2025 – EUR0.00
MT/EU Summer Student (Valid of Six months) As from January 2026 – EUR0.00
EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals and Maltese Registration not available yet, but required as of January 2026 – EUR0.00

Skills Pass and Validity:

The skills pass is applicable for the specific job that it was issued for. Changing occupations within the same sector necessitates obtaining a new skills pass for the new occupation.

Important Dates

  • March 2024: Legal notice publication.
  • 8th April 2024: Online courses and assessments become available.
  • 6th May 2024: Phase 2 online interviews begin.
  • 28th May 2024: Skills Pass requirement becomes mandatory.
  • January 2025: Renewal of work permits requires Skills Pass.
  • January 2026: All tourism and hospitality workers, including EU/Maltese nationals, will need a Skills Pass.

For more info please see this video https://streamable.com/mmtk54 as well as consult the Skills Pass page FAQ Section here: https://skillspass.org.mt/faqs

Let us Help You:

We are here to assist and support you through the entire process of obtaining the Skills Pass and completing your work permit application. Please feel free to contact our team at info@rqt.com.mt or +356 23561065, or by filling out the contact form below.

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