In recent months, the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) has intensified enforcement regarding employment agencies that recruit foreign workers, the government said Friday.
A statement by Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Dialogue said that the enforcement revealed that 30 companies were operating without complying with the law.
More than 80% of these companies, which were given a limited time to regularise their status, have complied within the granted timeframe. Legal action will be taken against those companies that have not regularized their status as required by law, government said.
This was announced during a training and information session attended by the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul.
Director General of DIER Diane Vella Muscat also reviewed the work carried out by the Department.
She explained that this year, DIER brought 55 cases before the Court, and in the first six months of the year, the Department collected €1,037,000 from employers, where these funds were then transferred to workers who were owed wages, overtime, and statutory bonuses.
At the training and information session, which brought together social partners, including unions, employer representatives, DIER officials, and a number of employment agencies, discussions focused on the way forward to ensure that not only does the employment sector in the country remain strong, but it also develops sustainably.
Social partners and operators recognized the work of DIER, and how, thanks to these regulations, there is now a ‘level playing field’ among operators, partly due to the ongoing enforcement.
Ellul expressed satisfaction that both social partners and those working in the sector are pleased with the regulations enforced since last June, which have allowed them to operate within a serious regulatory framework.
“I am also pleased to note that everyone is committed to continuing on the path of improving the quality of jobs in our country. We are committed to keeping workers at the centre of our efforts and at the heart of the economic success our country enjoys,” he said.
Ellul reiterated that efforts will continue to attract quality jobs that add value to the country.
“We must ensure that these jobs not only bring added value for employers by increasing productivity, but ultimately ensure that these jobs offer better wages and working conditions so that in our country, social justice remains a top priority,” Ellul said.
He said that this will help ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone can reach their aspirations. It will also help create a balance between work and private life, Ellul said.