Every morning migrants can be seen hanging around in Marsa and other areas close to open centres, looking for work.
The system is simple: They make themselves available and get picked up by their employer or get "contracted" for the day. Some of it is legal, some is probably not.
Whatever the case, the lack of debate and regulation of the situation has spurred the Ombudsman to launch an investigation into the general migrant employment scene.
"This investigation will look into whether employment laws and regulations fit into the irregular immigrant situation," explained Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino.
He said the aim of the exercise would be to make recommendations that would address any identified issues in the employment of migrants who can work in Malta.
Dr Said Pullicino, a former Chief Justice, said the investigation would look into whether there should be special set-ups to help migrants find employment; whether migrants were or should be paying national insurance; if employed migrants were being monitored sufficiently to ensure there was no abuse and whether working conditions were adequate, and whether the current structures helped their integration, among other things.
The investigation would also determine whether the authorities were aware of the issues and if existing laws and regulations were being enforced.
"It's important for the country to tackle the issue," Dr Said Pullicino said, especially because later this year the European Asylum Support Office should be set up on the island.
The Ombudsman's recommendations would be drawn up following discussions with several non-governmental organisations and government institutions.
Last September, the General Workers' Union published a policy paper on migrant workers. The paper outlined the prevailing realities and pointed to a lack of policies and guidelines regarding migrants in society.
Malta's accession to the EU and the Schengen area attracted migrants especially from Eastern Europe, the paper said. These people tended to find employment in the tourism sector, "which may be the result of their Nordic looks and willingness to work for less than the minimum wage".
Migrants who entered the country illegally, usually on a boat, were often exploited by employers who overworked and underpaid them, the policy document said. The immigrants tended not to report abuse for fear of losing their jobs and financial income.
Almost 1,500 irregular immigrants landed in Malta last year.
Irregular immigrants are released from detention centres 18 months from their arrival and, unless they leave the island, they are usually granted some form of working permit.
"We would like to see a level playing field for migrant workers and, perhaps, anti-racist training in companies," said Terry Gosden, the GWU's third-country national specialist.
"Migrants I've spoken to have said they prefer to pay their tax contributions as that guarantees better job security. It would also help them feel like they are participating in society and not living on the periphery," Mr Gosden added.
Any submissions to the Ombudsman's office can be sent in writing to 11, St Paul Street, Valletta by February 26.
The Ombudsman will also consider requests for oral submissions and appointments can be made by calling 2124 6861 or via e-mail at office@ombudsman.org.mt.