About this guide
Bangladeshi workers are a significant part of Malta's hospitality and services workforce. VFS Global operates in Bangladesh, with a centre in Dhaka.
This page explains what the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass means for Bangladeshi workers coming to — or already working in — Malta’s hospitality sector. The requirements are the same for all Third Country Nationals: this guide provides the same information with the practical context most relevant to workers from Bangladesh.
What the Skills Pass requires
The Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass is a two-phase process for Third Country Nationals working in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments in Malta:
- Phase 1 — online assessments (42 days): Two mandatory courses (Basic Customer Care and Basic Maltese Tourism Product) plus an occupation-specific assessment. Can be completed from Bangladesh before you travel.
- Phase 2 — interview: A live assessment of English proficiency and occupation-specific competency. Bookable via video conference in many cases.
- Certificate: A digital credential issued through Blockcerts after passing both phases. Issued to the individual, not the employer.
Completing the process from Bangladesh
Phase 1 is entirely online and can be completed from Bangladesh before you travel to Malta. Phase 2 (the interview) may be available via video conference, which would also allow completion from Bangladesh.
Completing both phases before your employment begins means your certificate is in place before your first shift — which is the simplest outcome for both you and your employer.
VFS Global: VFS Global — the organisation that administers interview centres for Maltese processes — has a presence in Bangladesh. Whether your specific Phase 2 interview is at a VFS Global centre or via video conference depends on your booking options at the official portal.
Covered occupations
The five covered occupations are: Luggage Porter, Receptionist, Bar Waiter, Commis Chef, and Commis de Rang. If you are not in one of these roles at an MTA-licensed establishment, the Skills Pass requirement may not apply to you. Confirm with your employer and the official Skills Pass portal.
See the role-specific pages on this site for guidance tailored to your occupation: Chef, Waiter, Receptionist, Bar Staff — or browse all role guides.
Frequently asked questions
01Is the Skills Pass required for Bangladeshi workers specifically?
The Skills Pass is a sector-wide requirement for workers in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments, regardless of nationality. Bangladeshi workers are not singled out — the requirement applies equally to all Third Country Nationals (and in some respects to all workers) in covered tourism and hospitality roles.
02My employer says they will arrange everything — do I still need to register myself?
Employers can register candidates through the employer-facing portal at tourism.skillspass.org.mt. However, the candidate themselves must complete the online assessments and interview. The practical work — sitting the modules and passing the interview — cannot be done by your employer on your behalf. Ensure you understand what has been registered and what you still need to complete.
03What happens if I fail a Phase 1 assessment?
Official materials describe one free re-sit per failed assessment. Subsequent re-sits are available at €100 each. The 42-day Phase 1 window keeps running after a failed attempt — use the free re-sit promptly rather than letting time run out. See the full resit guidance at /failed-what-now.