The Malta Independent 19 February 2025, Wednesday
View E-Paper

More decisions will follow against ‘precarious employment or even slavery’ – Byron Camilleri

Friday, 2 August 2024, 10:52 Last update: about 8 months ago

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said the government is prepared to take further action if taxi transport services continue to depend on precarious work or even slavery.

In a post on Facebook, Camilleri referred to what he described as “blackmailing” by taxi operators in the form of higher prices following decisions taken by the government to bring the sector under more control.

ADVERTISEMENT

The government has received imposed restrictions on the importation of labour in a bid to exercise control as the country faces an unprecedented rise in population.

Last Sunday, Prime Minister, Robert Abela, said that there will be a crackdown on the issuing of work permits to third country nationals for the services of food couriers or Y-plate drivers. He added that efforts will be made to ensure only skilled foreign workers receive a permit since the labour market is saturated.

The PN retorted that this was proof that the Labour government “failed” in its policy regarding work and immigration and reiterated the government’s lack of foresight. Furthermore, it pointed out that the unemployment rate had risen by 3.1% in 2023 with the incoming third country nationals competing with already present workers with ever-decreasing wages.

Since the PM’s declarations, users have noticed a rise in the prices of services while there have also been widespread reports of delays.  

In his social media post, Camilleri said that it appears that there are those who are ready to punish the decision to clamp down on work permits for foreign workers by making the prices of taxi services higher. He said that this attitude, that is been seen days after limitations were put in place, does not make sense.

The changes do not affect taxi drivers who already are in Malta and the decision will certainly not lead to a drop in the number of drivers. He said that if, on the other hand, this means of transport depends on unfair employment or even slavery, then the time has come to take more decisions regarding this sector to be taken.

  • don't miss