Echelon Recruitment: Malta Pre-Departure Integration Course 2026

Course Overview

Launched on 5 January 2026 via the Skills Pass portal, the Pre-Departure Course is now a mandatory requirement for third-country nationals (TCNs) applying for a first work permit in Malta.

The program is designed to prepare candidates in:
 

• English proficiency
• Workplace rights and obligations
• Cultural and social integration in Malta
   

The course duration is approximately 20–24 hours and must be completed before proceeding with work permit applications.

Course Structure

Phase 1: Pre-Departure Course (20–24 hours)

Module 1: Living and Integrating in Malta
 Covers culture, daily life, social norms, housing, healthcare, and transport.

Module 2: Rights and Obligations at the Workplace
 Includes employment contracts, wages, health & safety, anti-discrimination, and dispute resolution under Maltese law.

English Proficiency Test
 Assessment of the candidate’s basic English communication skills.

Assessments
 Candidates must successfully complete all module assessments and tests to proceed.

Phase 2: Final Interview

A 20-minute assessment conducted at an authorised VFS / assessment centre, evaluating:
 

• English communication
• Understanding of course content
• Role and sector awareness
   

Sector-Specific Requirement (Hospitality & Tourism)

For candidates applying in Tourism & Hospitality sectors:

• Completion of the Pre-Departure Course (Phase 1) is mandatory
• Additional Skills Pass (sector-specific certification) is required

• Includes:

      - Customer care

      - Maltese tourism product

      - Occupation-based assessment
   

Certificates Issued

Upon successful completion:

• Pre-Departure Course Certificate
• Full Skills Pass Certificate (for applicable sectors)
   

⚠️ Both certificates are mandatory for work permit processing where applicable

Who Needs the Pre-Departure Course

• All first-time TCN applicants
• Candidates applying from abroad (“still abroad”)
   

Exemptions

The following are generally exempt:

• EU / EEA / Swiss nationals
• Candidates already holding a valid Malta work permit
• Candidates with an existing valid Skills Pass certificate
   

Candidate Enrollment Steps

1. Register on the Skills Pass portal
2. Purchase the General Bundle (~€245)
3. Complete Phase 1 (modules + English test + assessments)
4. Select sector (if applicable) and complete additional requirements
5. Book the Phase 2 interview
6. Attend interview at authorised centre
7. Obtain required certificates
    

Employer Compliance Guide

• Ensure candidates complete all required steps before permit application
• Verify certificates via official portal (QR validation)
• Do not proceed without valid documentation

⚠️ No work permit will be issued without the required certificates

Processing Considerations

• Delays may occur if:
  • Course is incomplete
  • Interview is not scheduled early
  • Incorrect or missing documentation
     

Recommended Timeline:
 Allow 2–4 weeks for full completion.

Echelon Advisory

To avoid delays and rejections:

• Request proof of course completion before issuing offer letters
• Guide candidates early in the process
• Maintain records for compliance and audits
   

Echelon provides full pre-screening and candidate support to ensure smooth onboarding.

Key Update (2026)

• Pre-Departure Course is now the first mandatory step
• Required before sector-specific Skills Pass
• Centralised system via Skills Pass portal