Bill on mutual recognition of qualifications

A bill just published in the Government Gazette provides for Malta to recognise the professional qualifications of foreigners wishing to work or provide a service here as long as reciprocal recognition is granted by the countries of the persons concerned.

The Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Bill will apply to agreements which may be reached between Malta and other states or groups of states reciprocally granting their citizens the right to enter, reside, work and provide services.

The bill will apply to professions and professional activities, but no one will be entitled to practise a regulated profession or other activity unless he fulfils conditions established in the bill or by legal notice.

The bill lists 68 professions and professional activities which will be effected by the bill, including teachers, accountants and auditors, stockbrokers, tourist guides, engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers, port workers, bus drivers and radio operators.

A Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre will evaluate applications for recognition and assist the designated authorities which will decide whether or not to grant such recognition.

The designated authorities will be those bodies currently governing the various professions, such as the Ministry of Education in the case of teachers, the Finance Ministry for accountants, the Ministry of Resources for engineers and the Ministry of Tourism for tourist guides.

The centre will also promote the recognition of Maltese qualifications abroad.

The bill amends the Architecture and Civil Engineering Professions Act, the Accountancy Profession Act, the Engineering Profession Act, the Education Act, the Veterinary Services Act and the Cultural Heritage Act, enabling the Minister of Education to issue regulations for the mutual recognition of qualifications.