For foreign workers, Malta is one of the best countries in the world for a good work-life balance, says an international survey.

Newly published rankings from the InterNations Expat Insider survey of more than 12,500 respondents living in 188 countries placed Malta among the top 10, with nearly three-quarters of respondents reporting satisfaction with their work-life balance.

Around two-thirds said that they were satisfied with their working hours in Malta, an average of 43.9 hours per week and one of the longest working weeks in the top 10.

The survey found that around three-quarters of expats in Malta work full-time, which is the second smallest share out of the top 10 countries after New Zealand.

One Croatian expat said they liked the “opportunity to work and earn well”, which seemed to be true for the majority of those living in Malta, as more than half said their disposable household income was more than enough to cover everything they need.

The other countries making up the top 10 for work-life balance were Denmark, Bahrain, Norway, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Sweden, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and Oman.

On a global scale, expats working full-time spend an average of 44.3 hours a week at work, and around 60 per cent said they were satisfied with their work-life balance and working hours.

According to InterNations, the ranking shows those who are most satisfied with their work-life balance do not necessarily work significantly fewer hours, but in most of the countries, they express above-average satisfaction with life abroad in general.

The full Expat Insider survey, the previous edition of which was released in 2017, placed Malta seventh overall as a destination for expats, falling from the top spot when it was first included in the rankings in 2015.

Respondents last year cited the country’s abundant sun and sea, the friendliness of locals and good quality of life, with Malta ranking 21st on health and well-being, eighth for leisure options, seventh for personal happiness and 21st for safety and security.

The worst result for Malta was being ranked 45th for travel and transportation, ostensibly due to Malta’s clogged roads, heavy traffic and a highly criticised public transport system.

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