Overview of the Maltese labor market and workforce challenges

On 1 January 2025, the number of people in Malta was seen to be just over 600,000, showing a steady rise caused in large part by the income of others.
The economy is moving forward, but this rapid population and labor market growth has created a tight labor environment.
According to the National News Agency of Malta, in the second quarter of 2025 there were 9,158 vacant jobs, which shows an increase of 13.2% compared to the same time in 2024.
In the same three months, the number of job vacancies – the share of jobs without employees out of all positions – was 3.2%, up 0.2 points from last year.
By the end of the third quarter of 2025, the number of job vacancies had increased again to 9,798, and the vacancy rate had reached 3.4%, highlighting a higher demand for workers.
Malta’s small population limits the number of good candidates available.
The lack of people for work makes the search time for employees longer, especially in high-demand areas such as technology, hospitality, and construction.
Employers often lose workers to others who offer better deals or faster hiring.
The large number of job vacancies, especially in the private sector and small businesses, indicates a constant shortage of workers. Employers are having difficulty hiring enough trained or untrained people.

Malta's labor crisis rate (annual)

Romania’s job vacancy rate data from 2015 to 2024 tells an important story about the country’s evolving labor market. Romania’s job vacancy rate increased from 1.1% (2015) to 1.3% (2016-2018), indicating a higher demand for workers. The rate decreased after 2019 to 0.7% in 2024, but the gap remains. Romania has been in a labor shortage since 2021. Even though the official job vacancy rate is lower, employers in key sectors are still struggling to fill positions.

Malta's labor crisis rate (by industry)

Job vacancy data for Malta (2015–2024) shows important changes in the labour market. They reflect the evolution of labour demand. Between 2019 and 2023, the rates clearly showed the economic changes. In 2019, the rate of 2.5% indicated high demand in a growing economy. The rate fell to 1.6% in 2020 due to economic problems. This reflected reduced activity and uncertainty. As the economy recovered, the rate increased to 2.2%. This shows the gradual recovery of employer demand.

Malta's labor shortage rate (by job profile)

Malta’s job vacancy rate (by job type) Job vacancies in Malta, by skill, show shortages in sectors such as metals and machinery (272 vacancies) and cleaning and care (263 vacancies), which are in greatest need, highlighting gaps in technical and support roles. Plant and machinery operators (125) and technical labour (92) also show shortages, highlighting the need for skilled personnel in industrial operations. Specialized jobs, including electrical workers (84).

Employers' pain points on the Romanian labor market

Limited candidate pool: Malta’s small population limits the number of qualified local candidates available for each vacancy.
High hiring time: Labor shortages extend recruitment times, especially in sectors with consistently high demand.
Skill mismatch during selection: Many candidates lack the necessary technical skills or relevant practical experience, knowledge and industry exposure, leading to repeated selections and higher rejection rates.
Intense competition for talent: Employers often lose candidates to competitors who offer faster decisions or more attractive compensation.
Reliance on foreign recruitment: Companies must recruit internationally to fill gaps, increasing the complexity of hiring and onboarding.
Delays in work permits and compliance: Immigration and regulatory procedures slow down the hiring of non-local workers.

How BCM Group helps your business

Access to an expanded pool of skilled talent: BCM Group connects Maltese employers with skilled and semi-skilled workers, pre-screened and ready for employment, reducing reliance on a limited local workforce.
Complete recruitment support: From search and screening to interviews and final selection, BCM Group manages the entire recruitment process, saving time and internal resources.
Faster hiring timelines: Structured screening, competency assessments, and shortlisting of candidates help shorten hiring time in sectors with high vacancies, such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and technical services.
Compliance and Documentation Assistance: BCM Group supports employers with candidate documentation, legal formalities and coordination for overseas employment, minimizing administrative delays.
Cost-effective workforce solutions: By reducing rehiring, staff turnover and recruitment inefficiencies, BCM Group helps control hiring and operational costs.

Industries we serve globally

We provide skilled workers in the following industries:

Industrial and manufacturing production
Construction and infrastructure
Automotive and engineering
Hospitality and tourism
Logistics and warehousing
Oil, gas and energy
Healthcare and assistance
IT and technical services

Qualified profiles we offer

We offer employers the following qualified profiles:

Welders and Fabricators
CNC operators and programmers
Electricians and electrical technicians
Mechanics and assembly technicians
Construction workers
Plumbers and pipe fitters
Machine operators
Hospitality staff

Available employment models

Flexible employment models designed for employers in Romania.

Recruitment abroad (India → Malta)
Employee Leasing / Official Employer (EOR)
Talent acquisition
Salary-based workforce recruitment
Hiring labor in bulk and on projects

Partner with the bcm group

Are you facing labor shortages or challenges with expansion in Malta?
BCM Group provides reliable, compliant and scalable Indian workforce solutions that support uninterrupted operations and long-term growth.

BCM GROUP

License Number: MUMBAI/PARTNERSHIP/5493853/2021
Address: 409, 4th Floor, Amanora Chambers, Amanora Mall, Near Magarpatta City, Hadapsar, Pune – 411208

FOR CANDIDATES: +91 9555446699 | Email: info@bcmgroup.in | FOR EMPLOYERS: +371 67717876

For Candidates: +919555446699

Start Your Hiring Journey: info@bcmgroup.in

For Employer: +371 67717876