The General Workers' Union (GWU) and the Association of Foreign Temping Agencies (AFTA) are working towards an agreement to identify measures that could ease the impact of Budget 2027 provisions on third-country national workers living and working in Malta.

In a statement, the GWU said representatives of the two organisations met at the Workers' Memorial Building in Valletta to discuss the Budget measures affecting foreign workers and the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address their impact.

The union said that while it considered Budget 2027 to be forward-looking, it had expressed reservations about certain measures affecting third-country nationals residing and working in Malta.

GWU secretary general Kevin Camilleri said that immediately after the Budget measures were announced, the union had expressed its willingness to meet AFTA to discuss their potential impact on third-country national workers.

During the meeting, Camilleri referred to the proposed MoU between the two organisations, which would seek to identify practical proposals and measures to mitigate the effects of the Budget provisions on foreign workers.

He thanked AFTA officials for accepting the union's invitation and said he hoped the collaboration would continue in the future, strengthening dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of workers.

AFTA president Fabio Muscat also said that establishing an MoU between the two organisations was important to explore ways of reducing the impact of the Budget measures on those affected, including the association's members.

The statement said AFTA presented several proposals for discussion during the meeting.

GWU deputy secretary general Kevin Abela said the union remained committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with different organisations and stakeholders in the interests of all workers, including foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, GWU president Jason Deguara said meetings of this nature provided opportunities for organisations to exchange views and identify practical ways forward.

He added that the union looked forward to progressing towards the signing of the MoU proposed by AFTA, with the intention of reaching outcomes that would benefit both organisations.

AFTA secretary general Karl Schranz and liaison officer Timothy Zammit were also present at the meeting, the statement said.