GWU meets with AFTA to discuss Budget 2027 measures

6 Nov 2026 - Economy | Home | News | Politics | Technology | uncategorized

Both organisations working towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mitigate the impact of Budget measures on third-country national workers

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) considers Budget 2027 to be forward-looking, although it has expressed certain reservations regarding measures affecting third-country nationals (TCNs) residing and working in Malta.

In this context, GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri explained that, immediately following the announcement of the Budget measures, the Union expressed its willingness to meet with the Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (AFTA) to discuss their potential impact on third-country national workers.

The meeting took place on Monday morning at the Workers’ Memorial Building in Valletta.

During the meeting, Camilleri referred to the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, aimed at identifying practical proposals and measures to mitigate the impact of the Budget provisions on foreign workers.

He thanked AFTA officials for accepting the GWU’s invitation and expressed his hope that this collaboration would continue in the future, strengthening dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of workers.

For his part, AFTA President Fabio Muscat reaffirmed the importance of establishing an MoU between the two organisations to explore ways of mitigating the effects of the Budget measures on those affected, including the association’s members. In this regard, AFTA presented several proposals for discussion.

GWU Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela emphasised that the Union remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with different organisations and stakeholders in the interest of all workers, including foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, GWU President Jason Deguara stated that meetings of this nature provide valuable opportunities to exchange views and identify practical ways forward. He added that the Union looks forward to progressing towards the signing of the MoU proposed by AFTA, with the aim of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Also present at the meeting on behalf of AFTA were Secretary General Karl Schranz and Liaison Officer Timothy Zammit.