Working Hours in Malta
The standard working week in Malta is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. However, certain industries and categories of employees may have different working hours, as stipulated in their respective employment contracts. Employees are entitled to at least one rest day per week and a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of rest per day.
Employment Rights and Benefits in Malta
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Employees in Malta are entitled to a minimum of 192 hours (or 24 days) of paid annual leave after one year of continuous service. In addition, workers are entitled to paid sick leave, which is calculated on the basis of the length of service and the number of hours worked. For example, employees with less than 26 weeks of service are entitled to 15 days of paid sick leave, while those with more than 52 weeks of service are entitled to 20 days of paid sick leave.
Social Security Benefits
All employees in Malta are required to contribute to the social security system, which provides benefits such as retirement pensions, disability pensions, and unemployment benefits. Both employers and employees make contributions to the system, with the employee contribution rate at 10% of their salary. The social security system also provides benefits for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Expectant mothers in Malta are entitled to 18 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 14 weeks being paid at their full salary. Fathers are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave, which must be taken within 16 weeks of the birth of the child. In addition, parents who adopt a child are entitled to adoption leave, which is calculated on the basis of the length of service and the number of hours worked.
Severance Pay
Employees who are terminated without just cause are entitled to receive severance pay, which is calculated on the basis of the length of service and the number of hours worked. For example, employees with less than 4 years of service are entitled to 2 weeks’ pay, while those with more than 20 years of service are entitled to 28 weeks’ pay.
Pensions
All employees in Malta are required to contribute to the social security system, which provides retirement pensions upon reaching the retirement age. The retirement age in Malta is currently 62 years old, but it is scheduled to increase to 63 years old in 2027 and to 65 years old in 2028. The amount of pension received depends on the amount of contributions made during the employee’s working years.
Types of Pensions for Expats in Malta
Expats who are working in Malta are required to contribute to the social security system, which provides retirement pensions upon reaching the retirement age. The amount of pension received depends on the amount of contributions made during the employee’s working years.
In conclusion, workers in Malta are entitled to a range of employment rights and benefits, including paid vacation and sick leave, social security benefits, and severance pay. Expats who are working in Malta are also required to contribute to the social security system and receive retirement pensions upon reaching the retirement age. It is important for both employers and employees to understand these employment terms and conditions to ensure that workers are being treated fairly and in accordance with the law.