About this guide
Nepal is a growing source of Single Permit and Skills Pass applicants for Malta's hospitality sector. VFS Global operates in Nepal with a centre in Kathmandu.
This page explains what the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass means for Nepali 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 Nepal.
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 Nepal 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 Nepal
Phase 1 is entirely online and can be completed from Nepal before you travel to Malta. Phase 2 (the interview) may be available via video conference, which would also allow completion from Nepal.
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 Nepal. 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 needed for Nepali hospitality workers specifically, or for all nationalities?
The Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass requirement is sector-wide — it applies to workers at MTA-licensed establishments in covered roles, regardless of nationality. Nepali workers are not treated differently from workers of other nationalities in how the requirement applies.
02Can I complete the Skills Pass from Nepal before my work starts?
Phase 1 (online assessments) can be completed from Nepal. Phase 2 (the interview) may also be bookable via video conferencing depending on your available slot options. Completing both phases before your employment starts means your certificate is ready to verify on day one.
03What occupation should I choose in Phase 1 if my actual job title doesn't exactly match?
The published occupation list is: Luggage Porter, Receptionist, Bar Waiter, Commis Chef, Commis de Rang. If your job title does not match any of these directly — for example, "kitchen helper" or "room attendant" — official materials direct you to contact Skills Pass support to confirm the correct selection, rather than guessing.