Non-EU Workers Seeking Tourism Skills Pass 'Not Up to Standard': ITS Chief

Non-EU workers applying for a tourism skills pass to work in Malta's hospitality sector are "not up to standard," and many fail the course, according to Pierre Fenech, head of the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS). Speaking at a tourism conference on Friday, Fenech described the performance of these workers on required tests as "shocking."

Fenech noted that while some candidates pass the initial phase of the test, a significant number fail the second phase. The skills cards, necessary for non-EU workers seeking jobs in the tourism sector, cost €474. The course comprises an online hospitality course followed by an in-person test.

"The candidates are not up to standard. If I were running a hotel or catering establishment, and one of these people applied to work for me, they would not last two minutes," Fenech stated. He stressed the need for higher standards to attract high-quality tourists, especially post-COVID.

The introduction of the skills pass, initially scheduled for January, was postponed to May due to concerns from the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. Fenech indicated that detailed figures on the applicants would be disclosed in an upcoming press conference, clarifying that those already working in Malta had passed the first phase of the course.

Some hoteliers and employers criticized the course, suggesting it might deter workers from an already struggling sector. One employer argued that the questions were too advanced for roles such as housekeeping and dishwashing, causing undue stress among workers.

Fenech countered that the course was "simple" and could be completed after a few hours of study.