Malta Pre-Departure Integration Course: Complete Guide

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Malta's mandatory Pre-Departure Course for first-time work permit applicants from non-EU/EEA countries.

1. Course Overview

The Pre-Departure Course is a mandatory requirement for all Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) applying for a Single Permit for the first time in Malta. The system officially came into effect on 1st March 2026, and a valid Pre-Departure Course Certificate is now required for all first-time Single Permit applications.

Key Facts at a Glance

Feature	Details
Mandatory For	All first-time Single Permit applicants from non-EU/EEA countries
Cost	€250 (non-refundable)
Completion Period	42 days from registration
Language	English (with basic English proficiency assessed)
Delivery Platform	Skills Pass Portal
Start Date	Portal opened 5 January 2026; certificates required from 1 March 2026

2. Phase 1: Online Course and Examination

2.1 Module Structure

Phase 1 consists of two core online modules, each requiring approximately 10–12 hours of learning.

Module	Topics Covered
Module 1: Living and Working in Malta	Malta's history, culture, and society; Maltese traditions and values; accommodation and cost of living; public services; transport; health services; communication and social behaviour; respecting Maltese laws and culture; integration into Maltese society
Module 2: Rights and Obligations at the Workplace	Employment contracts; employee rights and responsibilities; employer responsibilities; salary and working conditions; working hours and leave; workplace health & safety; equality and discrimination; harassment and exploitation; reporting problems at work; important employment rules and obligations

2.2 Learning Materials

Each module includes:

Video lessons explaining key concepts
Reading materials with detailed information
Practice assignments to test understanding

2.3 Phase 1 Examination

After completing the learning materials, candidates must pass an online examination for each module.

Exam Format:

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per module
Question Types: Multiple-choice and true/false questions
Attempts: Candidates have 2 free attempts. If both are failed, a third attempt requires payment. If the third attempt is also failed, the candidate is blocked from the system for one month

3. Phase 2: Live Interview

3.1 Interview Details

After passing the online assessments, candidates must attend a live interview to verify understanding and English communication skills.

Feature	Details
Duration	Approximately 20 minutes (Skills Pass website states 30 minutes)
Format	Live online interview (or in-person at an authorised centre)
Conducted By	ITS Malta or an authorised Global Assessment Centre
Purpose	Verify English proficiency and understanding of course content

3.2 What Is Assessed in Phase 2

🇬🇧 Your English Communication – Basic English language proficiency
🇲🇹 Your Knowledge of Malta – Understanding of Maltese culture and society
🏠 Living and Working in Malta – Knowledge of daily life, accommodation, transport, and public services
👷 Workplace Rights and Responsibilities – Understanding of employee and employer duties
🦺 Health and Safety – Knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations
🤝 Workplace Behaviour and Integration – Understanding of ethical behaviour and anti-discrimination rules
📄 Employment/Document-Related Knowledge – Understanding of employment rules and obligations
🗣️ Workplace Scenarios – Ability to handle practical, everyday workplace situations

The interview is a continuation of the Phase 1 online exams—the interviewer will ask follow-up questions on the same topics and may present a realistic scenario that could arise during daily work, asking how you would deal with it.

4. Exam Pattern Summary

Phase 1: Online Examination

Element	Details
Number of Exams	Two (one per module)
Time per Exam	~30 minutes
Question Format	Multiple-choice, true/false
Question Source	Based on module learning materials
Pass Requirement	Must pass both exams
Attempts	2 free attempts; further attempts require payment

Phase 2: Live Interview

Element	Details
Duration	20–30 minutes
Format	Live conversation (online or in-person)
Assessment Focus	English proficiency + content understanding
Question Style	Follow-up questions on Phase 1 topics + workplace scenarios

5. Practice Sample Questions with Answers

Module 1: Living and Working in Malta

Sample Questions

1. Which of the following is part of Malta's cultural heritage?

A) Traditional Maltese festas (feasts)
B) Oktoberfest celebrations
C) St. Patrick's Day parades
D) Bastille Day celebrations

Answer: A

Explanation: Maltese festas are an important part of the country's cultural and religious traditions, featuring fireworks, band marches, and community celebrations.

2. Which of the following is a law in Malta?

A) Driving on the right-hand side of the road
B) Driving on the left-hand side of the road
C) No speed limits on highways
D) No requirement for seat belts

Answer: B

Explanation: Like the UK, Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road. This is a legal requirement that all residents and visitors must follow.

3. Which is NOT a public service provided in Malta?

A) Public transport buses
B) Public hospitals
C) Free university education for all non-residents
D) Public libraries

Answer: C

Explanation: While Malta has public services including transport (A), hospitals (B), and libraries (D), free university education is generally not available to all non-residents without meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Module 2: Rights and Obligations at the Workplace

Sample Questions

4. An employee's primary responsibilities include:

A) Working positively and honestly
B) Treating employees with respect and dignity
C) Providing fair layoff practices
D) Ensuring safe working conditions

Answer: A

Explanation: Employee responsibilities include acting honestly, working positively, obeying lawful and reasonable instructions, and doing the job agreed upon with the employer. Options B, C, and D are the employer's responsibilities.

5. Which of the following is an employer's responsibility?

A) Paying the employee the agreed-upon amount
B) Obeying all lawful instructions
C) Doing the job as agreed
D) Working positively

Answer: A

Explanation: The employer is responsible for paying the employee the amount that was agreed. Options B, C, and D are employee responsibilities.

6. What should you do if you face unfair treatment at work?

A) Post about it on social media immediately
B) Ignore the problem
C) Discuss it informally with your supervisor or HR
D) Leave the job without notice

Answer: C

Explanation: The recommended approach is to discuss the issue informally with your supervisor or Human Resources department first. This allows the matter to be addressed internally before escalating further.

Phase 2: Sample Interview Scenario Questions

Scenario 1: Workplace Discrimination

Question: You are working in a restaurant. A colleague makes offensive jokes about your background and other workers. They say it's "just banter." What do you do?

Sample Answer: I would tell my colleague that the jokes make me uncomfortable and ask them to stop. If this continues, I would report the behaviour to my supervisor or manager. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect at work, and harassment and discrimination are not acceptable in Malta's workplace.

Scenario 2: Health and Safety

Question: You notice a wet floor in the kitchen area where you work. What should you do?

Sample Answer: I would immediately report the hazard to my supervisor and place a warning sign if available. If the hazard is something I can safely clean up, such as a spill, I would clean it up promptly to prevent anyone from slipping. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Scenario 3: Reporting a Problem

Question: You discover your employer has not been paying you the minimum wage. What steps would you take?

Sample Answer: First, I would check my employment contract to confirm the agreed wage. Then, I would speak to my employer or the HR department to clarify the issue. If the problem is not resolved, I would seek advice from the relevant authorities, such as the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations in Malta. Keeping proper records of my work hours and payments is also important.

6. Additional Information

Sector-Specific Requirements (Part 2)

Some occupations require additional sector-specific training beyond the core Pre-Departure Course:

Sector	Additional Requirement
Tourism	Sector-specific modules + Skills Pass
Hospitality	Sector-specific modules + Skills Pass
Other Regulated Sectors	May require additional certification

Note: The Skills Pass is mandatory for individuals working in the Hospitality Industry or with establishments holding an MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) licence.

Renewal Course for Low-Skilled Workers

Low-skilled workers can take a longer course (40–42 hours) to qualify for a two-year permit renewal (instead of one year) for an annual fee of €150. This course covers more in-depth topics, including Maltese history, renting, budgeting, digital literacy, and language lessons.

Important Deadlines

Date	Milestone
5 January 2026	Skills Pass Portal opens; applicants may begin the course
1 March 2026	Identità begins verifying course certificates for work permit applications

7. Tips for Success

1. Start early – You have 42 days; use the time to study thoroughly rather than rushing through.

2. Review materials multiple times – Course materials can be revisited before the final interview.

3. Practice English – The interview assesses basic English communication, so prepare to speak about the topics.

4. Understand scenarios – Be ready to explain how you would handle realistic workplace situations.

5. Keep records – Document your progress and keep copies of your certificates.

6. Know your rights and responsibilities – This is the most commonly tested area.

Study With BR Sir

Saturday, 8 August 2026