Hundreds of Cab Drivers Denied Work Permits in Identity Malta Crackdown on Third-Party Fleets

Hundreds of Cab Drivers Denied Work Permits in Identity Malta Crackdown on Third-Party Fleets

Recently, hundreds of third-country nationals working with Malta’s ride-hailing platforms had their work permits denied by Identity Malta. They now have just three days to appeal this decision, leaving their futures on the island uncertain.

One driver shared his experience with Rising Malta, explaining that he transitioned from a cleaning job to driving cabs with the promise of better working conditions. He was assured he could start driving while awaiting a temporary work permit from Identity Malta. After initiating the €300 application process, he recorded his biometric information and received a "blue paper" allowing him to work temporarily. Despite being contractually employed with a cab fleet company and receiving a letter to collect his ID card, he soon received a notice of refusal.

This scenario has affected hundreds of third-country nationals, sources told Lovin Malta. The driver’s company advised him to appeal in court, but he would have to bear all legal expenses, potentially facing a lengthy legal process.

Another driver reported to Rising Malta that he paid €5,000 to his contracting company to secure work in Malta, only to have his application refused. This is a common story among many drivers. The first driver confirmed that, while he didn’t pay such a high amount, he knows others who paid between €5,000 and €8,000 for the promise of a better future on the island.

The cab industry has been experiencing turmoil for some time. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Abela criticized the unfair competition in the market, noting that Maltese workers who invested in their vehicles were at a disadvantage compared to companies that brought over cars and drivers from third countries.

Last year, the government introduced reforms to protect Y plate drivers, requiring cab drivers to have a Maltese or EU driving license to qualify for a Y plate tag and ensuring operators have sufficient garage space for their vehicles. These stricter rules led to protests from Y plate drivers who felt targeted. Despite this, Abela defended the regulations and suggested further reforms might follow.

Have you been affected by these refusals? Share your story with [email protected] or [email protected]