The General Workers’ Union met with India’s High Commissioner to Malta, Her Excellency Mrs. Gloria Gangte, to discuss better collaboration on furthering the wellbeing of Indian workers on the island on Friday.

The GWU today is the union of choice for over 7,000 non-Maltese workers on the island. “The GWU has always safeguarded the interests of workers, wherever they hail from, both on and off the workplace – no distinction is made on race, belief or gender. We believe everyone is equal,” said Deputy Secretary General Kevin Camilleri.

Many foreign workers in Malta are amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in society today, often risking being exposed to abuse and exploitation, with limited access to essential services, or irresponsibly depicted as a burden on Maltese society.

Camilleri said Malta’s strong economic growth over the last years necessitated a large influx of foreign workers in response to the growth in jobs and the demand for workers in various sectors.

“In our meeting with the High Commissioner, we discussed the specific needs and challenges of third-country nationals, among them Indians, and the best way in which we can assist and support them, as members of our trade union, with our initiatives,” Camilleri said.

“We want to promote and share ideas of cultural integration, that can create a harmonious workplace while assisting Indian workers in better communication with local authorities.”

High Commissioner Gangte said she was pleased at the contribution of Indian workers in Malta, but acknowledged that this community might be experiencing particular challenges and problems. “They include difficulties on renting properties, integration in their immediate community,  difficulties in travelling back home to tackle any emergencies due to prolonged delays in visa renewal process, as they do not have proper papers to return to Malta.”

She explained that they have been informed by some Indian workers in Malta about the difficulty in finding a place to live as higher rents are sought from Indian nationals compared to other nationalities. She added that Indians are paid lesser wages compared to their Maltese counterparts, and delays in visa renewals which at times lead to an irregular residence situation in Malta.

“We hope that the new changes in laws for temping agencies that recruit foreign workers in Malta have a positive impact for Indian workers. In the past, many of them have had to make substantial payment to agencies to secure a job which often do not materalise once they land in Malta,” H.E. Gangte said.

She said that the High Commission has proposed a Migration Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) to the Government of Malta, on a similar model as in other European countries. This agreement would allow a match between the skill sets needed by a Maltese company to the appropriate workers that are recruited from India. This will also safeguard the interest of workers, while looking for a job, in the visa process and also during their employment in Malta.

High Commissioner Gangte said that Indian workers contribute to social security during their stay in Malta. However, upon leaving the country, they do not receive any benefits. Signing of a Social Security Agreement similar to what India has done with other EU countries such as Germany and France can be explored. This will ensure that Indian workers will have no disadvantage with regard to their pensions even after leaving Malta. It is crucial to address this disparity and work towards providing fair and equitable social security benefits for all workers, irrespective of their nationality.

Camilleri said the GWU had also discussed matters of integration through various ideas that can achieve better cultural understanding between the various foreign communities in Malta. The GWU and the High Commission agreed  to celebrate the International Yoga Day with various events throughout May and June, culminating in a celebratory event on 21 June.

Camilleri said this constructive dialogue between the GWU and the High Commission of India would lead further significant initiatives that will benefit both Malta and India, thanks to the priceless value of cultural understanding.

“If we respect and understand each other, if we integrate, the society will be much more harmonious,” H.E. Gangte said. “We believe in the Indian philosophy that we are one world, and indeed, one family as well.”