Malta Employment Guide: A Step-by-Step Process for Changing Employers / Job

Introduction:

Changing jobs can be a daunting prospect, especially for third-country nationals living in Malta. Many individuals worry about the implications it may have on their visa status and whether they will be forced to return to their home country. However, it’s essential to understand that employees have the right to change employers in Malta without risking their legal status. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your employer in Malta, ensuring a smooth transition while adhering to the necessary legal requirements.

Find a New Job:

The first step in changing your employer is to find a new job that aligns with your preferences and offers a satisfactory monthly salary. Take your time to thoroughly explore diverse job opportunities and assess them based on your skills, qualifications, and career aspirations. A well-known website in Malta for job searches is Malta Park. Utilize this platform to search for suitable positions, and remember to construct your CV in the Europass format, which is widely recognized and preferred. Craft a compelling CV that highlights your relevant experience and qualifications, and submit your applications through the website.

Calculate Notice Period:

Before proceeding further, consider the duration of your employment with your current employer. The notice period you need to serve before leaving your current job is determined by the length of your employment. According to the DIER, the notice periods are as follows:

• For more than one month but not more than six months: one week.
• For more than six months but not more than two years: two weeks.
• For more than two years but not more than four years: four weeks.
• For more than four years but not more than seven years: eight weeks.
• For more than seven years: an additional one week for every subsequent year of service or part thereof, up to a maximum of twelve weeks.

Sign the Contract and Communicate with the New Employer:

Once you have secured a new job, ensure that you sign the employment contract. However, it is crucial not to give notice to your current employer until the new contract is confirmed and signed. This approach minimizes the risk of being left without employment if any unforeseen circumstances arise. Communicate with your new employer and explain that you are a third-country national and would like to proceed with the employment process without terminating your current employment. Many employers are familiar with this situation and can accommodate your request.

Submit Documents to IDENTITY Malta:

The new employer should submit all the necessary employment-related documents to IDENTITY Malta, the Malta Identity Management Agency. These documents include the employment contract, work permit application, and other relevant paperwork. Once the documents are submitted, the status will show as “submitted” and then “processing by a third party.”

• Submitted stage: When your employer submits all the required documents, your status will be shown as “Submitted.”

• Processing by third parties: After submitting your application to IDENTITA, it will be processed by third parties who are involved in the evaluation and review process.

• Ready for final approval: Once IDENTITA receives the final decision from the relevant stakeholders, your application will be marked as “Ready for final approval.” This indicates that the evaluation process is complete, and a final decision is imminent.

Checklist:

• Declaration of Suitability – the new employer has to fill and sign it.
• Health Screen Approval email – according to IDENTITY Malta regulations.
• House contract – this needs to be valid for at least the next six months.
• Housing Authority approval email.
• Passport and ID card copy.
• Position description – new employer and applicant need to sign.
• Privacy policy – new employer and applicant need to sign.
• Proof of advertisement – new employer.
• Form C3 – new employer, applicant, and applicant’s house owner have to sign.
• Work contract – new employer and applicant need to sign.

Terminate Employment with the Current Employer:

Once the new employer has submitted your application to IDENTITY Malta, and the status indicates that it is being processed, you can provide notice to your current employer. However, if your current employer refuses to provide you with the Jobsplus termination document, you have the right to visit the Jobsplus head office and seek guidance on the matter.

Approval and Appointment:

Upon receiving preliminary approval from IDENTITY Malta for your new employment, it is recommended to promptly book an appointment to complete the necessary procedures. It is important not to delay in scheduling the appointment. Here’s a helpful tip: If you don’t see any available appointments in the near future and the earliest available date is one or two months away, don’t worry. Book the closest available date and check the appointment availability every day. Sometimes, people cancel their appointments, creating opportunities for you to secure a closer appointment date. Stay vigilant and keep checking for any newly available slots.

Conclusion:

Changing employers in Malta as a third-country national is a legitimate and manageable process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can smoothly transition to a new job without compromising your visa status. Remember to carefully calculate your notice period, communicate effectively with your new and current employers, and ensure all necessary documents are submitted to IDENTITY Malta. With the right approach, you can confidently pursue new job opportunities in Malta.

If you have any other questions about changing employers or any other inquiries, please feel free to contact us via email or leave a comment below.