About this guide
Many workers moving to Malta from the UAE are themselves third-country nationals — for example Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi workers already living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah on a UAE visa. The Malta requirements are based on your nationality and permit type, not on the fact that you are currently in the UAE. VFS Global — the organisation that operates Maltese interview centres — has a presence across the UAE.
This page explains what the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass means for UAE-based 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 the UAE.
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 the UAE 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 the UAE
Phase 1 is entirely online and can be completed from the UAE before you travel to Malta. Phase 2 (the interview) may be available via video conference, which would also allow completion from the UAE.
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 the UAE. 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 work in hospitality in Dubai and have a Malta job offer — do I need the Skills Pass?
If your Malta role is a covered occupation at an MTA-licensed establishment, the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass requirement applies regardless of your hospitality experience in the UAE. Experience in a Dubai hotel or restaurant does not exempt you — the assessment checks against the Skills Pass standard, not your work history. Confirm your specific role with your Malta employer and the official Skills Pass portal.
02Can I complete the Skills Pass from the UAE before relocating to Malta?
Phase 1 (the online assessments) can be completed from the UAE. Phase 2 (the interview) may be bookable via video conference depending on your slot options. Completing both phases before you move means your certificate is ready to verify when your employment in Malta begins.
03Is the Malta Skills Pass connected to any UAE qualification or licence?
No. The Malta Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass is a Maltese sector requirement administered through skillspass.org.mt. It is not linked to UAE occupational licences, tourism qualifications, or any UAE government process. Only the official Maltese portal can issue or verify the Skills Pass certificate.