A new test asks TCNs 50 questions about Malta

Last week, the government unveiled a new course aimed at teaching non-EU nationals who live in Malta about local culture, language and everyday life.

At the end of the course, candidates will need to complete a test consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions. If they get at least 23 questions (45%) correct, they will be eligible to apply for a longer work permit when it comes time to renew. 

Buried deep within the annexes of the recently published policy document is a link leading to a sample examination paper.

Times of Malta hit the streets of Valletta to test out the nation's knowledge. 

The first question is one whose potential answers raised several eyebrows when read aloud in the Times of Malta newsroom:

“The primary goal of understanding Malta’s ethical norms and values is to:

a) change one’s own religious beliefs;

b) build positive and valuable relationships with locals;

c) learn how to avoid paying taxes;

d) become a professional tour guide.”

The top priority of the quiz appears to be making sure potential residents in Malta know all about the country’s waste collection and disposal system, with nine questions – almost one-fifth of the quiz – being dedicated to the subject.

Questions include what day of the week organic waste is collected, how to dispose of bulky refuse like a sofa and even the function of BCRS machines.

Language and communication are also given a high priority, with respondents quizzed on the meaning of phrases such as ‘Kif inti?’ and ‘Għandi l-ġuħ’.

“We want to emphasise teaching the Maltese language because those who learn even the basics can be better residents in our society,” Home Affairs Minister Camilleri had said.

And, while most of the 50 questions should be a walk in the park for the average Maltese person, there are a few questions on obscure aspects of Maltese employment law that even a local might struggle with, such as the minimum amount of urgent family leave or how long after being sacked you can file a complaint for unfair dismissal before the Industrial Tribunal.

The authorities also seem to assume that third-country nationals will encounter several theatre actors while living in Malta, since they are asked about the meaning of the phrase ‘break a leg’.

Malta’s credentials in the area of gay and transgender rights are given prominence early in the quiz: respondents will be expected to know when “same-sex sexuality activity” was decriminalised, as well as the year same-sex marriage was introduced.

One might expect Maltese history and culture to feature heavily, but only two questions are dedicated to the subject: what symbol appears on the national flag (a. the George Cross; b. a maple leaf; c. a rising sun; or d. a bald eagle) and what the meaning of a festa is.

Other topics include housing, financial public services and infrastructure, and social integration.

The quiz is one of several measures introduced by the government in recent years, such as the Skills Pass, in an attempt to raise the barrier to entry for low-skilled migrants.

Critics of the government’s strategy argue that, though the reforms are presented as a way to bring order and fairness to Malta’s labour market, they risk creating additional barriers that fail to address the country’s deeper structural dependence on migrant workers while potentially discouraging much-needed labour inflows.