The Nationalist Party has said that the government's labour migration policy reform, announced on Wednesday morning, is "long overdue." It also issued that this public consultation was a necessary exercise that PN has been advocating for, for the past four years.

"This exercise has been long overdue, as the Nationalist Party has repeatedly emphasised in recent years," the party statement issued, "PN Leader Bernard Grech has, for over four years, proposed the convening of a national conference to find solutions to the ever-growing population issue caused by the influx of foreign workers being brought into our country."

Through a statement co-written by its MPs Darren Carabott and Ivan Castillo, the Opposition welcomed the public consultation announcement as a means to face the "ever-growing challenges" related to the foreign workers based in the Maltese islands.

Carabott and Castillo wrote on behalf of their political party that the problems the country has faced in this regard "have worsened due to the very policies adopted by this same Government."

The Opposition described that for the past years, the incumbent Labour Government has based its economic plan on quantity. It argues that this has created a situation where "Malta is struggling to meet the new demands and burdens that have arisen, including pressure on resources, infrastructure, services, and communities."

The two Shadow Ministers stated that the PN has always put forward "clear and balanced proposals to address this complex issue." Such proposals have always emphasised on identifying skill gaps and determining which skills are most needed across Malta and Gozo, based on studies and the national interest, they added.

The PN representatives said that, if elected to power, a Nationalist Government will tackle its policies through a series of three steps: by consulting with all stakeholders, by evaluating all possibilities, and by strengthening existing proposals.

"The Nationalist Party remains committed to implementing a framework for workers from third countries that prioritises Malta's interests while ensuring efficient and humane processes," the statement read.

The party added that it will not shirk its responsibility to manage the situation of foreign labourers across the Maltese islands responsibly, with dignity, and in a fashion that keeps Maltese people's interests at the forefront of every decision.

The Nationalist Party concluded its statement by publicizing that it will contribute to this public consultation by presenting its own proposals, following a series of meetings with stakeholders and after analysing the Government's proposals.