Spiteri Debono highlights role of foreign workers at honorary consuls meeting

Foreign workers have become a key part of Malta’s workforce and are “greatly contributing” to Malta’s economy, President Myriam Spiteri Debono said on Tuesday. 

Addressing the biennial meeting of Honorary Consuls representing Malta abroad, the president spoke about how Malta’s economy has flourished over the past year, and how it ranks ninth in the European Union in terms of GDP per capita.

She added that Tuesday’s panel on the Malta Labour Migration Policy was an opportunity for the Honorary Consuls to understand the policy, which focuses on safeguarding foreign workers' rights and also better regulating the inflow of workers.

The policy focuses on retaining existing workers, protecting their rights and conditions, aligning labour migration with workforce needs and refocusing migration on a skills-based approach.

A 2025 Central Bank study found that around half of foreign workers in Malta leave the country within three years.

“Foreign workers are greatly contributing to this growth and have become a key part of our workforce,” she said, adding that she hopes the session provided the Honorary members with a better understanding of the policy framework and how labour migration is increasingly shaping Malta’s diplomatic engagement with partner countries.

She praised the work of the honorary consuls and their dedication to the profession, despite the challenges they face, such as limited resources.

“Your efforts and contributions lead to tangible and measurable benefits. They strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade opportunities, and foster people-to-people contacts, all of which are central to Malta’s foreign policy,” she said.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono (centre) and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg (left) along with members of the Honorary Consuls. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

She also praised the vital role the consuls have in aiding Maltese citizens who find themselves in distress when travelling overseas and offering them support when they need it most.

“Unfortunately, we have seen several accidents involving Maltese citizens overseas in 2025 that have resulted in their hospitalistion or death,” she said.

“Those of you who had to face such circumstances were instrumental in providing compassionate assistance to affected families in their time of need, and such timely interventions would not have been possible without your knowledge of local services and procedures.”

Last October, two Maltese couples were killed when their car plunged into the sea in Croatia. The victims, Jeremy and Lorraine Gambin and Kevin and Sandra Bonnici were lifelong friends and travelled together for more than 30 years.

Spiteri Debono addressed how the Mediterranean faces instability and socio-economic inequalities, and the world is facing conflict, geopolitical tensions and growing violations of international law and human rights.

She highlighted how Ukraine continues to face Russia’s illegal war, the Middle East is devastated by the consequences of protracted wars and recent events in Venezuela have underlined the fragility of international norms.

“Beyond geopolitical realities, global challenges such as climate change, irregular migration, and cyber security, to name a few, also require joint and determined efforts if they are to be addressed in an efficient and effective manner,” she said. 

"These realities demonstrate the continued need to invest in diplomacy, dialogue, and institutions that support the peaceful resolution of disputes, and that, above all, keep the human being at the centre of their considerations."