409 work permit applications in the courier and ride-hailing industry refused in two weeks
Jobsplus officials recently conducted raids on three courier and cab fleet companies amid allegations of employee mistreatment. The companies targeted were WT Global, Ferrugia Fleet, and Mela Cleaning, all of which employ cab drivers and food delivery couriers. The officials sought pay slips, work contracts, and other documents that could reveal illegal labor practices. This action followed a meeting between Jobsplus and third-country national couriers, who had previously protested against exploitative working conditions, with the three companies being heavily mentioned.
Fabrizio Ferrugia, the owner of Ferrugia Fleet, stated, "We provided all the requested documents to Jobsplus and are willing to cooperate as we have nothing to hide."
WT Global, Ferrugia, and Mela were recently blacklisted by Jobsplus. Employment and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri announced that companies accused of exploiting couriers would be barred from hiring new workers until investigations were completed. Subsequently, hundreds of work permit applications for third-country nationals (TCNs) wishing to work as cab drivers or couriers were denied as part of a crackdown on abusive employers.
One TCN in Malta expressed shock at being told to leave the country despite doing nothing wrong after applying to work as a cab driver.
The Home Affairs Ministry cited market saturation as the reason for rejecting cab driving and food courier work permits, affecting both new applicants and those wishing to change employers. Workers renewing their permits with the same employer were not affected. In the past two weeks, 409 work permit applications in the courier and ride-hailing industry were refused, with 235 being change-of-employer applications, primarily from WT Global.
WT Global, which employs hundreds of workers and operates Malta's largest cab fleet, was significantly impacted. Many TCNs have faced challenges getting jobs in Malta, and recent permit refusals have left them uncertain about their legal status. Government sources explained that rejecting change-of-employer applications was necessary to prevent companies from bypassing regulations. However, the government, through Jobsplus, aims to find alternative employment for affected workers, emphasizing that deportation is not the goal.
In an opinion piece, Minister Camilleri condemned employers who exploit workers and affirmed the government's commitment to investigating and improving the working conditions of food delivery couriers, stating that exploitation would not be tolerated.
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