Malta has set a new record in 2023, issuing 41,927 new resident permits to third-country nationals (TCNs), according to recent data from Eurostat. This represents a significant increase of over 4,000 permits compared to previous years, showcasing Malta’s rising appeal as a destination for foreign workers and residents. The island nation has far surpassed the EU average in terms of resident permits issued, handing out more than ten times the number of permits seen across other European countries. On average, Malta issued 76 permits per 1,000 people, positioning the country as a standout in immigration and residency trends.

The driving factor behind this surge in new resident permits has been employment opportunities, with approximately 28,000 foreign workers joining Malta’s labor force in 2023. The majority of these new permits were issued to individuals seeking employment, highlighting Malta’s growing need for skilled and semi-skilled workers across various industries.

Major Contributors to Malta’s Workforce Expansion

A large share of Malta’s new foreign workers originated from three key countries. Workers from India made up the largest group, with around 11,000 Indian nationals granted resident permits. Nepal followed with 6,515 new workers, while Colombia contributed 3,648 workers to Malta’s labor market.

These new additions to the workforce are expected to play a vital role in meeting the demand for labor in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction, which have been experiencing worker shortages due to Malta's expanding economy and increased investment in infrastructure and services.

Malta’s Economic and Immigration Trends

The growing number of resident permits issued reflects Malta’s strategic efforts to attract foreign talent to sustain its economic growth. The influx of workers is not only helping to fill critical gaps in the labor market but is also contributing to the country's overall development. As Malta continues to experience economic expansion, the demand for foreign labor is likely to remain strong, reinforcing the nation’s position as a hub for third-country nationals seeking employment within the European Union.

In comparison, other EU countries have not seen such high levels of resident permit issuance, making Malta an outlier in the region’s immigration landscape. With a stable and thriving economy, combined with an increasing demand for workers across several industries, Malta's appeal for foreign workers is expected to continue growing into the coming years.

By addressing labor shortages with foreign talent, Malta is positioning itself as a key player in the European labor market, setting a benchmark for other EU nations to follow in terms of integrating third-country nationals into their workforce.