Malta's English Language Teaching (ELT) sector is experiencing challenges due to the high rate of visa denials for students from non-European Union countries, particularly Brazil, Colombia, Japan, and Turkey. The Federation of English Language Organizations in Malta (FELTOM) predicts that the sector will face long-term repercussions as a result.
The ELT sector was the first to be impacted by the pandemic, and schools are still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels. The current high rate of visa denials for students outside the Schengen area is a significant setback, and if the issue is not addressed, it will have a substantial negative impact on the sector.
Schools are losing substantial revenue due to ongoing visa issues. Other stakeholders, changes in the visa application process by Identity Malta have created confusion. Despite recognizing the ELT sector's ability to attract students and support the tourism industry, the situation remains unresolved. In 2023, the ELT sector contributed to 9.4 percent of the total guest nights, and English language learners' expenditure amounted to €155 million.
To operate an English as a Foreign Language School (ELT) in Malta, a license issued by the ELT Council is required. The ELT Permit is valid for four years and is issued once the Council verifies that all necessary skills and qualifications, as outlined in Legal Notice 221 of 2015, are met. Requirements for the ELT Permit include being at least 18 years old, holding a TELT certificate issued by the Council, and possessing a certificate in the methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages, approved by the Council.