Purpose of Employment as Seasonal Workers Regulations, 2017

L.N. 21 of 2017

IMMIGRATION ACT

(CAP. 217)

Conditions of Entry and Stay of Third Country Nationals for the

Purpose of Employment as Seasonal Workers Regulations, 2017

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by article 36 of the

Immigration Act, the Minister for Home Affairs and National

Security has made the following regulations:-

PART I

General Provisions

(1) The title of these regulations is the Conditions of

Entry and Stay of Third Country Nationals for the purpose of

Employment as Seasonal Workers Regulations, 2017.

(2) These regulations transpose Council Directive 2014/36/EU

of the 26th February 2014 on the conditions of entry and residence of

third country nationals for the purpose of employment as seasonal

workers.

(3) The aim of these regulations is to determine the conditions

of entry and stay of third country nationals for the purpose of

employment as seasonal workers and defines the rights of such

workers

Provided that for stays not exceeding ninety days, these

regulations shall apply without prejudice to the Schengen acquis.

For the purpose of these regulations

"Act" means of the Immigration Act;

"activity dependant on the passing of seasons" means an activity

that is tied to a certain time of the year by a recurring event or pattern

of events linked to seasonal conditions during which required labour

levels are significantly above those necessary for usually ongoing

operations;

"authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work" means any

authorisations referred to in regulation 11 entitling their holder to stay

and work in Malta;

"Board" means the Immigration Appeals Board constituted by

article 25A of the Act;

"Executive Chairperson" means the Executive Chairperson of

Identity Malta Agency, established under the Identity Malta Agency S.L. 497.07

(Establishment) Order, or any senior official thereof so delegated;

"Long-stay visa" means an authorisation issued by the pertinent

Maltese authorities as provided for in Article 18 of the Schengen

Implementing Convention;

"seasonal worker" means a third country national who retains

his or her principal place of residence in a third country and stays

legally and temporarily in Malta to carry out an activity dependent on

the passing of seasons, under one or more fixed term work contracts

concluded directly between that third country national and the

employer established in Malta

Provided such activity is one which shall be exclusively

carried out in one of the following sectors: hospitality, agriculture and

marine aquaculture;

"seasonal worker permit" means an authorisation issued using

the format laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002

bearing a reference to seasonal work and entitling its holder to stay

and work in Malta for a stay exceeding ninety days under the terms of

these regulations;

"short-stay visa" means an authorisation issued as provided for

in point (2)(a) of Article 2 of Regulation EC No 810/2009 (Visa

Code);

"single application procedure" means a procedure leading, on

the basis of one application for the authorisation of a third-country

national’s stay and work in Malta, to a decision on the application for

a seasonal worker permit;

"third-country national" means any person who is not a citizen

of the European Union, hereinafter referred to as "the Union", within

the meaning of Article 20(1) TFEU;

"Visa Code" means Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing

a Community Code on Visas;

"work permit" means an employment licence issued under

article 11(3) of the Act.

(1) These regulations shall apply to third-country

nationals who reside outside the territory of Malta and who apply to

be admitted, or who have been admitted in Malta under these

regulations for the purpose of employment as seasonal workers.

(2) These regulations shall not apply to third-country nationals

who

(a)

at the time of application reside in Malta with the

exception of cases referred to in regulation 14;

(b) are carrying out activities on behalf of undertakings

established in Malta or in another Member State in the

framework of the provision of services within the meaning of

Article 56 TFEU, including third-country nationals posted by

undertakings established in the provision of services in

accordance with the Posting of Workers in Malta Regulations;

(c)

are family members of Union citizens who have

exercised their right to free movement within the Union, in

conformity with Directive 2004/38/EC of the European

Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of

citizens of the Union and their family members to move and

reside freely within the territory of the Member States amending

Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/

EEC, 68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/

35/EEC, 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC and the Free

Movement of European Union Nationals and their Family

Members Order;

(d) together with their family members, and irrespective

of their nationality, enjoy rights of free movement equivalent to

those of Union citizens under agreements either between the

Union and the Member States or between the Union and third

countries.

PART II

Conditions of Admission

(1) Applications for admission to Malta in accordance

with the provisions of these regulations shall be submitted to the

authorities responsible for the issue of work permits by the third

country national and endorsed by the employer established in Malta.

(2) Applications shall be accompanied by

(a)

a valid contract of employment, or a binding job

offer to work as a seasonal worker in Malta with an employer

which specify

(i)

the place and type of work;

(ii)

the duration of employment;

(iii)

the remuneration;

(iv)

the working hours per week or month;

(v)

the amount of any paid leave;

(vi)

where applicable other relevant working conditions;

and

(vii) if

possible,

the

date

of

commencement

of

employment;

(b) evidence of having, or of having applied for,

sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for Maltese

nationals for periods where no such insurance coverage and

corresponding entitlement to benefits are provided in

connection with, or as a result of, the work carried out in Malta;

(c)

evidence that the seasonal worker will have

adequate accommodation or that adequate accommodation will

be provided in accordance with regulation 18.

(3) The conditions referred to in sub-regulation (1)(a) shall

comply with the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, the Equal Cap. 452.

Treatment in Employment Regulations, collective agreements and, or

practice.

(4) On the basis of the documentation provided pursuant to

sub-regulation (1), the authorities shall require that the seasonal

worker shall have sufficient resources to maintain himself and will

have no recourse to the social assistance systems.

(5) In cases where the contract of employment or binding job

offer specifies that the third-country national will exercise a regulated

profession, as defined in the Recognition of Professional S.L. 451.03

Qualifications Regulations, the applicant may be required to present

documentation attesting that he fulfils the conditions for the exercise

of that regulated profession.

(1) The provisions of sub-regulations (2) to (5) of Criteria for

regulation 4 shall apply mutatis mutandis to seasonal workers whose admission

stays exceeding

stay in Malta exceeds ninety days.

ninety days

(2) Applications for admission to Malta in accordance with

this regulation shall be submitted to the Executive Chairperson as

specified in regulation 12.

(3) The Executive Chairperson, in consultation with the

Principal Immigration Officer, shall verify that the third country

national does not present a risk of illegal immigration and that he

intends to leave the territory of Malta at the latest on the date of

expiry of the authorisation.

(4) The third country national shall be in possession of a valid

travel document. The period of validity of the travel document shall

cover at least the period of validity of the authorisation for the

purpose of seasonal work

Provided that the Executive Chairperson may require

(a)

the period of validity to exceed the intended

duration of stay by a maximum of three months;

(b) the travel document to have been issued within the

last ten years; and

(c)

the travel document to contain at least two blank

pages.

(5) Third country nationals who are considered to pose a threat

to public policy, public security or public health shall not be admitted.

An application by a third country national for the purpose

of seasonal work shall be considered inadmissible or rejected on the

basis of labour market considerations by the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits in the case of stays for less than ninety

days and by the Executive Chairperson, in consultation with the

pertinent authorities responsible for employment matters, in the case

of stays exceeding ninety days.

(1) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities

responsible for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall

reject an application for authorisation for the purpose of seasonal

work where

(a)

the provisions of regulations 4 or 5 are not complied

with; or

(b) the documents presented for the purpose of

regulations 4 or 5 were fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or

tampered with.

(2) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall, if appropriate,

reject an application for authorisation for the purpose of seasonal

work where

(a)

the employer has been sanctioned for undeclared

work and, or illegal employment;

(b) the employer’s business is being or has been wound

up in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Companies Cap. 386.

Act and the Commercial Code or no economic activity is taking Cap. 13.

place;

(c)

the employer has been sanctioned under regulation

(1) Iċ-Chairperson

Eżekuttiv

jew

l-awtoritajiet Irtirar tal-

responsabbli għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, awtorizzazzjoni

għall-fini ta’

għandhom jirtiraw l-awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali xogħol

staġonali.

fejn

(a)

id-dokumenti ppreżentati għall-fini tar-regolamenti

4 jew 5 kienu nkisbu bi frodi, jew kienu ffalsifikati, jew

imbagħbsa; jew

(b) id-detentur ikun qed joqgħod fil-pajjiż għal finijiet li

mhumiex dawk li għalihom hu kien awtorizzat li joqgħod.

(2) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, għandhom, jekk ikun

xieraq, jirtiraw l-awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali fejn

(a)

il-persuna li tħaddem ġiet sanzjonata għal xogħol

mhux iddikjarat u, jew impjieg illegali;

(b) in-negozju tal-persuna li tħaddem qed jiġi jew ġie

xolt skont id-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti tal-Att dwar il-

Kumpanniji u l-Kodiċi tal-Kummerċ jew ma tkunx qed issir

ebda attività ekonomika;

(ċ)

il-persuna li tħaddem ġiet sanzjonata taħt ir-

regolament 16.

(3) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, jistgħu jirtiraw l-

awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali fejn

(a)

m’għadx

hemm

iżjed

konformità

mad-

dispożizzjonijiet tar-regolamenti 4 jew 5; jew

(b) il-persuna li tħaddem tkun naqset milli tissodisfa l-

obbliġi legali tagħha rigward is-sigurtà soċjali, it-tassazzjoni,

id-drittijiet tax-xogħol, il-kondizzjonijiet tax-xogħol jew it-

termini ta’ impjieg, kif previst fil-liġijiet applikabbli u, jew fi

ftehimiet kollettivi; jew

(ċ)

il-persuna li tħaddem ma wettqitx l-obbliġi tagħha

taħt il- kuntratt tax-xogħol; jew

(d) fi żmien it-tnax-il xahar li minnufih jippreċedu d-

data tal-applikazzjoni, il-persuna li tħaddem eliminat pożizzjoni

full-time sabiex toħloq pożizzjoni vakanti li persuna li tħaddem

tkun qed tipprova timla’ bl-użu ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti.

(4) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, jistgħu jirtiraw l-

awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali jekk iċ-ċittadin ta’

pajjiż terz japplika għal protezzjoni internazzjonali taħt l-Att dwar ir-

Refugjati jew għal protezzjoni f’konformità mal-liġi nazzjonali, l-

obbliġi internazzjonali jew il-politika nazzjonali.

(5) Mingħajr

preġudizzju

għad-dispożizzjonijiet

tas-

subregolament (1), kwalunkwe deċiżjoni biex tiġi rtirata l-

awtorizzazzjoni għandha tikkunsidra ċ-ċirkostanzi speċifiċi tal-każ,

inklużi l-interessi tal-ħaddiem staġonali, u tirrispetta l-prinċipju ta’

proporzjonalità.

(6) Ir-raġunijiet għal rifjut jew revoka ta’ viża għal soġġorn

qasir huma regolati fid-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti tal-Kodiċi dwar il-

Viżi.

Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli Obbligu ta’

għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, għandhom jesiġu koperazjoni.

mill-persuna li tħaddem biex tipprovdi l-informazzjoni rilevanti

kollha meħtieġa għall-ħruġ, l-estensjoni jew it-tiġdid tal-

awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali.

TAQSIMA III

Proċedura u Awtorizzazzjonijiet għall-Fini ta’ Xogħol Staġonali

(1) Iċ-Chairperson

Eżekuttiv

jew

l-awtoritajiet Aċċess għall-

responsabbli għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, informazzjoni.

għandhom jagħmlu aċċessibbli faċilment lill-applikanti l-

informazzjoni dwar l-evidenza dokumentarja kollha meħtieġa għal

applikazzjoni u l-informazzjoni dwar id-dħul u s-soġġorn, inklużi d-

drittijiet u l-obbliġi u s-salvagwardji proċedurali tal-ħaddiem

staġonali.

(2) Meta ċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet

responsabbli għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, joħorġu

awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali lil ċittadin ta’ pajjiżi

terzi, huma għandhom jipprovdu wkoll informazzjoni bil-miktub

dwar id-drittijiet u l-obbliġi ta’ ħaddiema staġonali, inklużi l-

proċeduri dwar ilmenti.

(1) Għal soġġorni li ma jaqbżux id-disgħin jum, għal Awtorizzazzjo-

ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi li jikkonformaw mar-regolament 4 u ma nijiet

ta’ xogħol

jaqgħux taħt ir-raġunijiet stabbiliti fir-regolament 7, għandha staġonali.

tinħareġ, mingħajr preġudizzju għar-regoli dwar il-ħruġ ta’ viżi għal

soġġorn qasir kif stipulat fil-Kodiċi dwar il-Viżi u fir-Regolament tal-

Kunsill (KE) Nru 1683/95

(a)

viża għal soġġorn qasir u permess tax-xogħol li

jindikaw li huma maħruġa għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali; jew

(b) permess tax-xogħol li jindika li huwa maħruġ għall-

fini ta’ xogħol staġonali, fejn iċ-ċittadin ta’ pajjiż terz ikun

eżentat mir-rekwiżit ta’ viża f’konformità mal-Anness II tar-

Regolament (KE) Nru 539/2001.

(2) Għal soġġorni li jaqbżu d-disgħin jum, lil ċittadini ta’

pajjiżi terzi li jikkonformaw mar-regolament 5 u ma jaqgħux taħt ir-

raġunijiet stabbiliti fir-regolament 7, għandha tinħareġ viża għal

soġġorn twil u permess ta’ xogħol

Iżda l-faċilitazzjoni għal viża għandha tingħata f’dan il-

kuntest meta il-viża tkun tinħtieġ sabiex il-persuna tidħol f’Malta.

(3) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv għandu joħroġ il-permess għal

xogħol staġonali billi juża il-format stabbilit fir-Regolament (KE)

Nru 1030/2002.

(4) Fil-każ ta’ viżi għal soġġorn twil, għandha tiddaħħal

referenza li tiddikjara li din hija maħruġa għall-fini ta’ xogħol

staġonali taħt l-intestatura ‘kummenti’ fuq l-istiker tal-viża

f’konformità mal-punt 12 tal-Anness tar-Regolament (KE) Nru 1683/

95. (5) Fil-każ ta’ permess għal xogħol staġonali, iċ-Chairperson

Eżekuttiv jistgħa jindika informazzjoni addizzjonali relatata mar-

relazzjoni ta’ impjieg tal-ħaddiem staġonali f’format ta’ karta, jew

jaħżen tali data f’format elettroniku kif imsemmi fl-Artikolu 4 tar-

Regolament (KE) Nru 1030/2002 u fil-punt 16(a) tal-Anness għalih.

Applikazzjoni għal permess ta’ ħaddiem staġonali għandha

tiġi ppreżentata liċ-Chaiperson Eżekuttiv fi proċedura unika ta’

applikazzjoni miċ-ċittadin ta’ pajjiż terz u kontrofirmata mill-persuna

li tħaddem.

Il-perjodu massimu ta’ soġġorn għal ħaddiema staġonali

għandu jkun mhux aktar minn disa’ xhur fi kwalunkwe perjodu ta’

tnax-il xahar. Wara dak il-perjodu, iċ-ċittadin ta’ pajjiż terz għandu

jħalli t-territorju ta’ Malta

Iżda dan sakemm ma nħariġx permess ta’ residenza skont

il-liġi nazzjonali għal finijiet oħra minbarra xogħol staġonali.

(1) Fil-perijodu massimu msemmi fir-regolament 13 u

diment li d-dispożizzjoinijiet tar-regolamenti 4 jew 5 jiġu sodisfatti u

r-raġunijiet stipulati fir-regolament 7(1)(b), fir-regolament 7(2) u,

jekk applikabbli, fir-regolament 7(5) mhumiex sodisfatti, il-ħaddiema

staġonali għandhom jingħataw estensjoni waħda tas-soġġorn

tagħhom, fir-rigward tal-kuntratt tagħhom mal-istess persuna li

tħaddem.

(2) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, wara konsultazzjoni

mal-awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal materji dwar impjiegi,

jistgħu jiddeċiedu li jħallu lill-ħaddiema staġonali jestendu l-kuntratt

tagħhom mal-istess persuna li tħaddem u s-soġġorn tagħhom aktar

minn darba waħda, dment li l-perijodu massimu msemmi fir-

regolament 13 ma jinqabiżx.

(3) Fil-perijodu massimu msemmi fir-regolament 13 u diment

li r-regolamenti 4 jew 5 jiġu sodisfatti u r-raġunijiet stipulati fir-

regolament 7(1)(b), fir-regolament 7(2), u jekk applikabbli, fir-

regolament 7(5) mhumiex sodisfatti, iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-

awtoritajiet responsabbli għal ħruġ tal-permess tax-xogħol, skont il-

każ, wara konsultazzjoni mal-awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal

materji dwar impjiegi, jistgħu jippermettu lill-ħaddiema staġonali

estensjoni waħda tas-soġġorn tagħhom biex ikunu impjegati ma’

persuna differenti li tħaddem.

(4) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għal ħruġ tal-permess tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, wara konsultazzjoni

mal-awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal materji dwar impjiegi,

jistgħu jiddeċiedu, f’konformità mal-liġi nazzjonali tagħhom, li

jippermettu lill-ħaddiema staġonali jiġu impjegati minn persuna

differenti li tħaddem u li jestendu s-soġġorn tagħhom aktar minn

darba waħda, dment li l-perijodu massimu msemmi fir-regolament 13

ma jinqabiżx.

(5) Għall-finijiet tas-subregolamenti (1), (2), (3) u (4), iċ-

Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli għall-ħruġ ta’

permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, wara konsultazzjoni mal-

awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal materji dwar impjiegi,

għandhom jaċċettaw il-preżentazzjoni ta’ applikazzjoni meta l-

ħaddiem staġonali ammess taħt dawn ir-regolamenti qiegħed fit-

territorju ta’ Malta.

(6) (a)

Iċ-Chairperson

Eżekuttiv

jew

l-awtoritajiet

responsabbli għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, wara

konsultazzjoni mal-awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal materji

dwar impjiegi, għandhom jirrifjutaw li jestendu s-soġġorn jew li

jġeddu l-awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali meta l-post

vakanti inkwistjoni jista’ jimtela minn ċittadini ta’ Malta jew minn

ċittadini oħrajn tal-Unjoni, jew minn ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi li

jirrisjedu legalment f’Malta.

(b) Id-dispożizzjonijiet ta’ dan ir-regolament għandhom

japplikaw mingħajr preġudizzju għall-prinċipju tal-preferenza għal

ċittadini tal-Unjoni kif espress fid-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti tal-Atti

rilevanti ta’ Adeżjoni.

(7) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għall-ħruġ ta’ permessi tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, wara konsultazzjoni

mal-awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal materji dwar impjiegi,

għandhom jirrifjutaw li jestendu s-soġġorn jew li jġeddu l-

awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali fejn ikun intlaħaq il-

perjodu massimu ta’ soġġorn kif imfisser fir-regolament 13.

(8) Iċ-Chairperson Eżekuttiv jew l-awtoritajiet responsabbli

għal ħruġ tal-permess tax-xogħol, skont il-każ, wara konsultazzjoni

mal-awtoritajiet pertinenti responsabbli għal materji dwar impjiegi,

jistgħu jirrifjutaw li jestendu s-soġġorn jew li jġeddu l-

awtorizzazzjoni għall-fini ta’ xogħol staġonali maħruġa jekk iċ-

ċittadin ta’ pajjiż terz japplika għal protezzjoni internazzjonali skont

leġislazzjoni rigward il-kwalifika tal-ażil għal benefiċċjarji tal-

protezzjoni internazzjonali jew skont l-Att dwar ir-Rifuġjati, jew jekk

iċ-ċittadin ta’ pajjiż terz japplika għal protezzjoni skont l-Att ta’

Refuġjati jew l-obbliġi internazzjonali.

(9) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tar-regolament 8(2), (3)(b), (3)(ċ) u

(3)(d) ma għandhomx japplikaw għal ħaddiem staġonali li japplika

biex jiġi impjegat minn persuna differenti li tħaddem f’konformità

mas-subregolament (3) meta dawk id-dispożizzjonijiet japplikaw

għall-persuna li tħaddem preċedenti.

(10) Ir-raġunijiet għal estensjoni ta’ viża għal soġġorn qasir

huma regolati fid-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti tal-Kodiċi dwar il-Viżi.

(11) Mingħajr preġudizzju għar-regolament 7(1), kwalunkwe

deċiżjoni dwar applikazzjoni għal estensjoni jew tiġdid għandha

tikkunsidra ċ-ċirkostanzi speċifiċi tal-każ, inklużi l-interessi tal-

ħaddiem staġonali, u għandha tirrispetta l-prinċipju ta’

proporzjonalità.

(1) Ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi li kienu ammessi f’Malta

bħala ħaddiema staġonali mill-anqas darba waħda fil-ħames snin

preċedenti, u li jirrispettaw bis-sħiħ il-kondizzjonijiet applikabbli

għal ħaddiema staġonali skont dawn ir-regolamenti matul kull

soġġorn tagħhom għandu jkollhom faċilitar ta’ dħul mil-ġdid.

(2) Il-faċilitazzjoni msemmija fis-subregolament (1) tista’

tinkludi miżura waħda jew aktar miżuri, bħal

(a)

l-għoti ta’ eżenzjoni mir-rekwiżit ta’ preżentazzjoni

ta’ dokument wieħed jew aktar mid-dokumenti msemmija fir-

regolamenti 4 jew 5;

(b) proċedura aċċellerata li twassal għal deċiżjoni dwar

l-applikazzjoni għal permess ta’ ħaddiem staġonali jew viża

għal soġġorn twil;

(ċ)

prijorità fl-analiżi tal-applikazzjonijiet għall-

ammissjoni bħala ħaddiem staġonali inkluża l-kunsiderazzjoni

ta’ ammissjonijiet preċedenti meta tittieħed deċiżjoni dwar l-

applikazzjonijiet fir-rigward tal-eżawriment tal-volumi tal-

ammissjoni.

(3) (a)

Before taking a decision on an application for the

purpose of seasonal work, the Executive Chairperson or the

authorities responsible for the issue of work permits, as the case may

be, shall consult the pertinent authorities responsible for employment

matters in order to verify whether the vacancy concerned may be

filled by

(i)

Maltese nationals; or

(ii) citizens of other Member States of the Union;

or

(iii) third country nationals lawfully resident in

Malta.

(b) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities

responsible for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall

refuse the said application if the vacancy could be so filled.

(4) The provisions of sub-regulation (3) shall apply without

prejudice to the principle of preference for Union citizens as

expressed in the relevant provisions of the relevant Acts of

Accession.

(5) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, may reject an

application for authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work where

(a)

the employer has failed to meet legal obligations

regarding social security, taxation, labour rights, working

conditions or terms of employment as provided for in applicable

law and, or collective agreements; or

(b) within twelve months immediately preceding the

date of the application, the employer has abolished a full-time

position in order to create the vacancy that the employer is

trying to fill by the use of these regulations; or

(c)

the third country national has not complied with the

obligations arising from a previous decision on admission as a

seasonal worker.

(6) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-regulation (1),

any decision to reject an application shall take account of the specific

circumstances of the case, including the interests of the seasonal

worker, and shall respect the principle of proportionality.

(7) Grounds for refusing the issuing of a short-stay visa are

regulated in the relevant provisions of the Visa Code.

8. (1) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities

responsible for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall

withdraw the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work where

(a)

the documents presented for the purpose of

regulations 4 or 5 were fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or

tampered with; or

(b) the holder is staying for purposes other than those

for which he was authorised to stay.

(2) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall, if appropriate,

withdraw the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work where

(a)

the employer has been sanctioned for undeclared

work and, or illegal employment;

(b) the employer’s business is being or has been wound

up in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Companies

Act and the Commercial Code or no economic activity is taking

place;

(c)

the employer has been sanctioned under regulation

16. (3) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, may withdraw the

authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work where

(a)

the provisions of regulations 4 or 5 are not or are no

longer complied with; or

(b) the employer has failed to meet legal obligations

regarding social security, taxation, labour rights, working

conditions or terms of employment as provided for in applicable

law and, or collective agreements; or

(c)

the employer has not fulfilled its obligations under

the contract of employment; or

(d) within twelve months immediately preceding the

date of the application, the employer has abolished a full-time

position in order to create the vacancy that the employer is

trying to fill by the use of these regulations.

(4) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, may withdraw the

authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work if the third country

national applies for international protection under the Refugees Act Cap. 420.

or for protection in accordance with national law, international

obligations or national policies.

(5) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-regulation (1),

any decision to withdraw the authorisation shall take account of the

specific circumstances of the case, including the interests of the

seasonal worker, and shall respect the principle of proportionality.

(6) Grounds for annulment or revocation of a short-stay visa

are regulated in the relevant provisions of the Visa Code.

9. The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible Obligation of

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall require the cooperation.

employer to provide all relevant information needed for issuing,

extending or renewing the authorisation needed for issuing, extending

or renewing the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work.

PART III

Procedure and Authorisations for the Purpose of Seasonal Work

10. (1) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities Access to

responsible for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, shall information.

make easily accessible to applicants the information on all

documentary evidence needed for an application and information on

entry and stay, including the rights and obligations and the procedural

safeguards of the seasonal worker.

(2) When

issuing

third

country

nationals

with

the

authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work, the Executive

Chairperson or the authorities responsible for the issue of work

permits, as the case may be, shall also provide information in writing

about the rights and obligations of seasonal workers, including

complaint procedures.

11. (1) With regards to stays not exceeding ninety days,

third-country nationals who comply with regulation 4 and do not fall

within the grounds set out in regulation 7, without prejudice to the

rules on the issuing of short-stay visas as laid down in the Visa Code

and in Regulation EC No 1683/95, shall be issued with

(a)

a short stay visa and an employment licence

indicating that they are issued for the purpose of seasonal work;

or

(b) in the case of a third country national exempted

from a visa requirement as provided for in accordance with

Annex II of Regulation EC No 539/2001, with an employment

licence issued for the purpose of seasonal work.

(2) For stays exceeding ninety days, a third country national

who complies with regulation 5 and does not fall within the grounds

set out in regulation 7, shall be issued with a seasonal worker permit

and a long stay visa

Provided that facilitation shall be given in relation to the

issuance of such visa if such visa is required for entering Malta.

(3) The Executive Chairperson shall issue the seasonal worker

permit using the format laid down in Regulation EC No 1030/2002.

(4) In the case of long stay visas a reference shall be entered

stating that it is issued for the purpose of seasonal work under the

heading ‘remarks’ on the visa sticker in accordance with point 12 of

the Annex to Regulation EC No 1683/95.

(5) In the case of a seasonal worker permit, the Executive

Chairperson may indicate additional information relating to the

employment relationship of the seasonal worker in paper format, or

store such data in electronic format as referred to in Article 4 of

Regulation EC No 1030/2002 and in point 16(a) of the Annex thereto.

12. An application for a seasonal worker permit shall be

submitted to the Executive Chairperson in a single application

procedure by the third country national and endorsed by the

employer.

13. The maximum period of stay for seasonal workers shall be Duration of

not more than nine months in any twelve month period. After the stay.

expiry of this period, the third country national shall leave the

territory of Malta

Provided that no residence permit has been issued in

accordance with national law for purposes other than seasonal work.

14. (1) Within the maximum period referred to in regulation Extension of

13 and provided that the provisions of regulations 4 or 5 are complied stay

of the

with and the grounds set out in regulation 7(1)(b), regulation 7(2) authorisation

the purposes of

and, if applicable, regulation 7(5) are not met, seasonal workers are seasonal work.

allowed one extension of their stay in relation to their contract with

the same employer.

(2) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, in consultation with

the pertinent authorities responsible for labour matters, may decide to

allow seasonal workers to extend their contract with the same

employer and their stay more than once, provided that the maximum

period referred to in regulation 13 is not exceeded.

(3) Within the maximum period referred to in regulation 13

and provided that the provisions of regulation 4 or 5 are complied

with and the grounds set out in regulation 7(1)(b), regulation 7(2)

and, if applicable, regulation 7(5) are not met, the Executive

Chairperson or the authorities responsible for the issue of work

permits, as the case may be, in consultation with the pertinent

authorities responsible for labour matters, may decide to allow

seasonal workers one extension of their stay to be employed with a

different employer.

(4) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for the issue of work permits, as the case may be, in consultation with

the pertinent authorities responsible for labour matters, may decide to

allow seasonal workers to be employed by a different employer and to

extend their stay more than once, provided that the maximum period

referred to in regulation 13 is not exceeded.

(5) For the purposes of sub-regulations (1), (2), (3) and (4), the

Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible for the issue of

work permits, as the case may be, in consultation with the pertinent

authorities responsible for labour matters, shall accept the submission

of an application when the seasonal worker admitted under these

regulations is on the territory of Malta.

(6) (a) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities

responsible for issuing the work permit, as the case may be, in

consultation with the pertinent authorities responsible for labour

matters, shall refuse to extend the stay or renew the authorisation for

the purpose of seasonal work when the vacancy in question could be

filled by Maltese nationals or by other European Union citizens, or by

third-country nationals lawfully residing in Malta.

(b) The provisions of this sub-regulation shall apply

without prejudice to the principle of preference for Union citizens as

expressed in the relevant provisions of the relevant Acts of

Accession.

(7) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for issuing the work permit, as the case may be, in consultation with

the pertinent authorities responsible for labour matters, shall refuse to

extend the stay or renew the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal

work where the maximum duration of stay as defined in regulation 13

has been reached.

(8) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for issuing the work permit, as the case may be, in consultation with

the pertinent authorities responsible for labour matters, may decide to

extend the stay or renew the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal

work if the third-country national applies for international protection

under the legislation on standards for qualification of beneficiaries of

international protection or the Refugees Act or if the third-country

national applies for protection in accordance with the Refugees Act or

international obligations.

(9) The provisions of regulation 8(2), (3)(b), (3)(c) and (3)(d)

shall not apply to a seasonal worker who applies to be employed by a

different employer in accordance with sub-regulation (3) when those

provisions apply to the previous employer.

(10) Grounds for extension of a short-stay visa are regulated in

the relevant provisions of the Visa Code.

(11) Without prejudice to regulation 7(1), any decision on an

application for an extension or renewal shall take account of the

specific circumstances of the case, including the interests of the

seasonal worker, and shall respect the principle of proportionality.

15. (1) Third-country nationals who were admitted to Malta

as seasonal workers at least once within the previous five years, and

who fully respected the conditions applicable to seasonal workers

under these regulations during each of their stays, shall have

facilitated re-entry.

(2) The facilitation referred to in sub-regulation (1) may

include one or more measures such as

(a)

the grant of an exemption from the requirement to

submit one or more of the documents referred to in regulations 4

or 5;

(b) an accelerated procedure leading to a decision on the

application for a seasonal worker permit or a long stay visa;

(c)

priority in examining applications for admission as a

seasonal worker, including taking into account previous

admissions when deciding on applications with regard to the

exhaustion of volumes of admission.

16. (1) An employer who fails to comply with the Sanctions

conditions set out in these regulations and, or fails to prevent possible against

employers.

abuses shall be guilty of an offence against these regulations and shall

on conviction be liable to a fine (multa) not exceeding five thousand

euro (€5,000).

(2) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities responsible

for issuing the work permit, as the case may be, shall ensure that, if

the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work is withdrawn

pursuant to regulation 8(2), (3)(b), (3)(c) and (3)(d), the employer

shall be liable to pay compensation to the seasonal worker in

accordance with procedures under national law. Any liability shall

cover any outstanding obligations which the employer would have to

respect if the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work had not

been withdrawn.

(1) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities Procedural

responsible for issuing the work permit, as the case may be, shall safeguards.

adopt a decision on the application for authorisation for the purpose

of seasonal work. They shall notify the decision to the applicant in

writing as soon as possible but not later than ninety days from the

date on which the complete application was submitted.

(2) (a)

In the case of an application for an extension to stay

or for the renewal of the authorisation pursuant to regulation 14, they

shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the seasonal worker is not

obliged to interrupt his or her employment relationship with the same

employer, or prevented from changing employer, due to ongoing

administrative procedures

Provided that where the validity of the authorisation for the

purpose of seasonal work expires during the procedure for extension

or renewal, in accordance with these regulations, the seasonal worker

shall be allowed to stay in Malta until a decision has been taken on

the application, provided that the application was submitted within

the period of validity of that authorisation and that the time period

referred to in regulation 13 has not expired.

(b) The third country national concerned may be issued

with a national temporary authorisation until a decision is taken,

which may allow the seasonal worker to work until that decision is

taken.

(c)

During the period of examination of the application

for extension or renewal, the relevant provisions of these regulations

shall apply.

(3) Where the information or documentation supplied in

support of the application is incomplete, the competent authorities

shall notify the applicant, within a reasonable period of time, of the

additional information that is required and set a reasonable deadline

for providing it. The period referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be

suspended until the additional information has been submitted.

(4) (a)

Reasons for a decision declaring inadmissible an

application for authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work or

rejecting an application for authorisation for the purpose of seasonal

work or refusing an extension of stay or renewal of the authorisation

for the purpose of seasonal work shall be given in writing to the

applicant. Reasons for a decision withdrawing the authorisation for

the purpose of seasonal work shall be given in writing to both the

seasonal worker and the employer.

(b) The relative written notification shall also specify

information regarding the appeal procedure to such a decision that the

third country national may lodge with the Immigration Appeals Board

in accordance with the time limit established in the Act.

(5) Procedural safeguards concerning short stay visas are

regulated in the relevant provisions of the Visa Code.

(1) The Executive Chairperson or the authorities

responsible for issuing the work permit, as the case may be, shall

require evidence that the seasonal worker will benefit from

accommodation that ensures an adequate standard of living and that

any change of accommodation shall be reported accordingly.

(2) Where accommodation is arranged by or through the

employer

(a)

the seasonal worker may be required to pay a rent

which shall not be excessive compared with his net

remuneration and compared with the quality of the

accommodation. The rent shall not be automatically deducted

from the wage of the seasonal worker;

(b) the employer shall provide the seasonal worker with

a rental contract or equivalent document in which the rental

conditions of the accommodation are clearly stated;

(c)

the employer shall ensure that the accommodation

meets the general health and safety standards in accordance

with national law.

PART IV

Rights

During the period of validity of the authorisation referred Rights on the

to in regulation 11, the holder shall enjoy at least the following rights: basis

authorisation for

the purpose of

seasonal work.

(a)

the right to enter and stay in the territory of Malta;

(b)

free access to the entire territory of Malta;

(c)

the right to exercise the concrete employment

activity authorised under these regulations.

(1) Seasonal workers shall be entitled to equal treatment Right to equal

treatment.

with Maltese nationals at least with regard to

(a)

terms of employment, including the minimum

working age, and working conditions, including pay and

dismissal, working hours, leave and holidays, as well as health

and safety requirements at the workplace;

(b) the right to strike and take industrial action, in

accordance with the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, Cap. 352.

and freedom of association and affiliation and membership of an

organisation representing workers or of any organisation whose

members are engaged in a specific occupation, including the

rights and benefits conferred by such organisations, including

the right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements,

without prejudice to the national provisions on public policy

and public security;

(c)

back payments to be made by the employers,

concerning any outstanding remuneration to the third-country

national;

(d)

branches of social security, as defined in Article 3 of

Regulation (EC) No 883/2004

Provided that family benefits and unemployment

benefits are excluded, without prejudice to the rights conferred

by Regulation (EU) No 1231/2010;

(e)

access to goods and services and the supply of goods

and services made available to the public, except housing,

without prejudice to the freedom of contract in accordance with

Union and national law;

(f)

advice services on seasonal work afforded for the

purposes of long term employment by Jobsplus;

(g)

education and vocational training

Provided that the application to education and

vocational training shall be directly linked to the specific

employment activity and excluding study and maintenance

grants and loans or other grants and loans;

(h) recognition of diplomas, certificates and other

professional qualifications in accordance with the Conditions of

Entry and Residence of Third-Country Nationals for the purpose

of Highly Qualified Employment Regulations;

(i)

tax benefits, in so far as the seasonal worker is

deemed to be resident for tax purposes in Malta

Provided that tax benefits shall be limited to cases

where the registered or usual place of residence of the family

members of the seasonal worker, for whom he claims benefits,

lies in the territory of Malta

Provided that seasonal workers moving to a third country,

or their survivors who reside in a third-country and who derive rights

from those workers shall receive, in relation to old age, invalidity,

death and statutory pensions based on the seasonal worker’s previous

employment and acquired in accordance with the Social Security Act

under the same conditions and at the same rates as the nationals of

Malta when they move to a third country.

(2) The right to equal treatment provided for in sub-regulation

(1) shall be without prejudice to the right of the Executive

Chairperson or the authorities responsible for issuing the work

permit, as the case may be, to withdraw or to refuse to extend or

renew the authorisation for the purpose of seasonal work in

accordance with regulations 8 and 14.

(1) The pertinent authorities responsible for the Monitoring,

prevention of possible abuses and the sanction for infringements of assessment

inspections.

these regulations and as provided for under national legislation shall

provide for measures to prevent such possible abuses and to sanction

infringements.

(2) The pertinent authorities in charge of inspection of labour

or other competent authorities shall have access to the workplace and,

with the agreement of the worker, to the accommodation.

(1) It shall be ensured by the pertinent authorities that Facilitation and

there are effective mechanisms through which seasonal workers may complaints.

lodge complaints against their employers directly or through third

parties which have, in accordance with the criteria laid down in

national law, a legitimate interest in ensuring compliance with these

regulations.

(2) It shall be ensured by the pertinent authorities that third

parties which have, in accordance with the criteria laid down by their

national law, a legitimate interest in ensuring compliance with these

regulations, may engage either on behalf of or in support of a seasonal

worker, with his or her approval, in any administrative or civil

proceedings, excluding the procedures and decisions concerning

short-stay visas.

(3) It shall be ensured by the pertinent authorities that seasonal

workers have the same access as other workers in a similar position to

measures protecting against dismissal or other adverse treatment by

the employer as a reaction to a complaint within the undertaking or to

any legal proceedings aimed at enforcing compliance with these

regulations.

B

€1.53