About this guide
The Philippines is one of the major source countries for Malta's hospitality sector workforce. VFS Global operates in the Philippines with a centre in Manila, among other locations.
This page explains what the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass means for Filipino 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 Philippines.
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 Philippines 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 Philippines
Phase 1 is entirely online and can be completed from Philippines before you travel to Malta. Phase 2 (the interview) may be available via video conference, which would also allow completion from Philippines.
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 Philippines. 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
01I have a TESDA or NC qualification in hospitality — does this count toward the Skills Pass?
A TESDA National Certificate or other Philippine qualification, however well-regarded in the Philippines, does not substitute for or exempt you from the Malta Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass. The Skills Pass is a Malta-specific sector requirement. Your existing qualifications may help you complete the assessments more easily, but the process still applies.
02Can the Skills Pass process be started from the Philippines?
Phase 1 (online assessments) can be completed from the Philippines. Phase 2 (video-conference interview) may also be available from the Philippines depending on available slots. Starting both phases before travel means your certificate can be ready when your employment begins.
03Does the Skills Pass need to be renewed when my work permit is renewed?
The Skills Pass certificate is tied to the occupation it was issued for, not to a specific permit period. Whether it has its own expiry date separate from your permit is not clearly stated in all official materials — check the official portal or your existing certificate for the issue date and any stated validity period.