The Skills Pass Program

It is designed as a straightforward two-part process, ensuring anyone aiming to join Malta’s Hospitality and Tourism industry meets the essential skill and qualification criteria. This brief will guide you through obtaining your Skills Pass, starting with your initial registration and ending with your final work eligibility confirmation.

Step 1 involves online training and evaluation.

After signing up, participants are prompted to buy course modules. This includes four compulsory modules plus at least one job-specific module. These required modules aim to develop crucial skills for the tourism and hospitality field, including English language skills, fundamental customer service, and topics specific to Malta’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Required Evaluations include:

• English Language Skills Test
• Fundamental Customer Service Training
• Introductory Course on Maltese Tourism
• Basic English for the Hospitality Industry

Once these evaluations are passed, participants can choose a job role from several options like front desk, bar service, cleaning services, and culinary team.

Phase 2 involves an online video interview.

After completing Phase 1 successfully, candidates are asked to arrange for this interview. The interview location depends on the candidate’s nationality and visa needs. Applicants from non-EU or non-European Economic Area countries, requiring a visa for Malta, should attend their nearest VFS Centre. Meanwhile, candidates from countries not requiring a visa can visit the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta for their interview. For candidates, the Skills Pass system is easy to use. It enables them to sign up, buy courses, study, take tests, schedule interviews, and obtain certificates all in one place. Additionally, there’s a live chat option for questions and a section to view and download certificates.

Required Steps:

Step 1: Register Step 2: Purchase Bundles or Individual Courses for Re-Sits Step 3: Learn via the Platform using Coursera API Step 4: Take Assessments Step 5: Book the Online Interview Step 6: Query via the Live Chat Step 7: View and Access Certificates

General Rules and Options:

• Purchase Options: You can pay for courses using PayPal or Credit Card through Stripe.
• Re-sits: If you fail an exam, you get one free re-sit. After that, additional re-sits can be purchased.
• Lockdown Period: Failing after a re-sit means you’ll face a 3-month lockdown period.
• Completion Timeframe: You have 42 days to finish Phase 1. If you need more time, extensions can be bought.
• Registration Categories: Different categories like non-EU/EEA nationals abroad, students in Malta, and others have specific registration rules. Some categories require an entity to register.
• Eligibility for Permit Extension: Non-EU/EEA nationals who get a Skills Pass and complete verification can apply for a residence and work permit, meeting specific criteria. Applicability and Fee Structure: Starting May 2024, non-EU/EEA nationals working in Malta’s tourism and hospitality sector need a Skills Pass. Fees vary based on category.

Registration categories offer different options for candidates to register themselves or have authorized entities, like MTA licensed establishments or educational institutions, register them. Here are the categories:

Self-registration options based on candidate category:

Non-EU/EEA Countries (Not Living in Malta): Individuals from non-EU/EEA countries residing outside Malta. Non-EU/EEA Countries (Living in Malta for less than 1 year): Individuals from non-EU/EEA countries residing in Malta for less than a year. Non-EU/EEA Countries (Living in Malta for more than 1 year): Individuals from non-EU/EEA countries residing in Malta for over a year. Students Enrolled in Full-time Courses with Licensed Local Education Institutions.

Certain candidates must be registered by an entity, including:

Sector Skilled Workers: Registration by local MTA licensed establishments only. Internship Students: Registration by their EU licensed education institution. ELT Students: Registration by a licensed ELT institution. Changes in VISA Duration: Non-EU/EEA nationals who obtain a Skills Pass and finish the verification process by ITS and Identita can apply for a residence and work permit, subject to approval from Jobsplus, the Malta Police Force, and relevant authorities.

Eligibility criteria for permit extension include:

• Advancement to the next skill pass level (Orange, equivalent to MQF level 2).
• Direct employment with an MTA licensed tourism and hospitality operator.
• Providing necessary documentation for a minimum two-year contract or indefinite employment with an MTA licensed operator.
• A gross annual income of €20,000 or more.

After meeting these criteria for a year, Non-EU/EEA nationals can renew their permit for two years, with subsequent renewals possible under the same conditions.

Renewal requirements are similar to the initial criteria:

• Advancement to the next skill pass level (Orange, MQF level 2).
• Direct employment with an MTA licensed operator in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Submission of documentation for a two-year definite contract or indefinite employment upon renewal.
• Proof of a gross annual income of at least €20,000.

Subsequent renewals for up to two years are available, provided all conditions are continuously met. Conclusion: Follow these steps to get your Skills Pass. If you need help, contact the support team at info@skillspass.org.mt For the full article, follow this link