Watch: ‘We’re not just here to work’: Courier speaks up for a silent workforce

When Asim Jatt spoke out after being denied access to a toilet by a burger restaurant, he said it was not just for himself but for the many couriers who silently endure similar treatment and prejudice.

His social media post has since sparked a broader conversation about how food couriers in Malta, many of whom are third-country nationals, are routinely barred from using restrooms in the very establishments they serve.

“I didn’t post to become famous but to raise my concerns,” Jatt told Times of Malta.

“Many third-country nationals feel that Malta is a country for the Maltese and we are just here to work. Couriers often stay silent. I just wanted to say this isn’t fair.”

Another courier who spoke to Times of Malta anonymously echoed Jatt’s concerns, saying the issue is about being being denied basic dignity.

He said every delivery man experiences this issue, and, while some restaurants allow them to use the bathroom, the vast majority do not.

“I’m appalled by restaurants that deny us access to washrooms, despite us being their representatives and bring their food to their customers. It’s time for restaurants to treat us with dignity, respect and provide basic amenities like washrooms.”

There are approximately 1,000 food-delivery couriers working in Malta, a number that has surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These workers have become an essential part of the food industry, particularly for establishments that rely heavily on delivery services.

Despite their vital role, many couriers – particularly third-country nationals – often face poor working conditions and lack basic protections. The experience of Jatt, the 33-year-old Pakistani part-time courier, has reignited public debate over the treatment of migrant workers, who are frequently seen merely as service providers, with little regard for their well-being or dignity.

The controversy began when Jatt was denied access to the restroom at burger restaurant Hermanos. When he voiced his frustration online, the restaurant responded by mocking him publicly, calling him a “part-time drama queen”. The move was met with backlash.

Asim’s post on Expats Malta.

Jatt said he felt humiliated by the incident, particularly given the essential role couriers like him play in supporting Malta’s food industry.

“We (couriers) are also part of the team, give us some respect,” he said.

That feeling of frustration escalated when Hermanos’s now-deleted post said its employees ended up cleaning a mess, comparing it to a nuclear power plant disaster every time a food courier used their bathroom.

“This was the second time I was insulted. First, you make an argument that I cannot use the bathroom, and I get no apology, and then you post on your page that if a courier wants to use the bathroom, he must buy something.”

He addressed the misconception that couriers, many being third-country nationals, would leave bathrooms in a state out of a “horror movie scene”.

“I know we come from different countries but we have common sense on how to use the bathrooms,” he said.

He said he read comments on his post, claiming how couriers did not know how to keep a toilet clean.

“We do not live like this. We know it is a restaurant where customers are eating. When I use the bathroom, I clean it.”

He said other courier drivers also experienced not being able to use the bathroom at other restaurants, some of which have an access code. He said some couriers who previously asked for the code were denied it.

“Some couriers were told to ask customers for the receipt with the code. Why should we ask the customer? It is not good manners to ask the customer for the code.”

Responding to suggestions that couriers should use the public toilets in the locality, he pointed out how some public toilets open only until 4pm. Many couriers are out driving at night.

Hermano's second post

“What should couriers do when they need the bathroom? Drive back home to pee? These drivers live in Marsascala, some in Mellieħa, while all the work is in the centre of Malta.”

Another courier who reached out to Times of Malta confirmed that most restaurants in Malta have a policy not allowing them to use their bathrooms. He said that, due to the nature of the job, many couriers spend long hours without access to basic amenities.

“By denying riders this basic right, these establishments not only show a lack of appreciation for the hard work these riders do but also fail to recognise their part in ensuring customer satisfaction,” he said.

Following the backlash, a day later, Hermanos deleted the post and pledged to “treat drivers with respect”.

In a post signed by ‘CEO-Vince’, a reference to Hermano’s owner Vincenzo Rapisarda, the post said the drivers had helped make the burger chain a success and how the restaurant should “lead without disrespect”.

Jatt said he was happy to see that the restaurant would allow couriers to use the bathroom but still believes Hermanos could have acted better.

He said he did not receive any apology from the restaurant, but he did not write the post for an apology but did it on behalf of full-time couriers.