Plasterers and tile-layers

Can a big contractor from the EU set up in Malta and use foreign workers?

Malta negotiated an arrangement to refuse work permits for EU workers if their number poses a serious threat to the jobs of Maltese workers. This means that if a large contractor in the construction industry uses foreign workers to offer plastering and tile-laying services and this creates a serious threat to the locals, then Malta may stop them by withholding their work permit.

During the first seven years after membership, restrictions may be imposed by Malta acting alone in the case of serious threats. After this period, if there is a disproportionate influx of EU workers, Malta may still seek a remedy, but this time through the EU institutions, not acting alone.

In order to monitor the inflow of foreign workers, during the first seven years after membership, EU workers will still require a work permit to work here. This will be granted automatically, unless it is refused for the reasons explained above.