Malta Pre-Departure Course – Who Needs to Do It and Who Doesn’t

The Malta Pre-Departure Course is a mandatory programme for certain work permit applicants, designed to help candidates understand living, working, and integrating in Malta. It includes online lessons, exams, and a short in-person interview.

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Who Needs to Do the Pre-Departure Course

1. All first-time work permit applicants

   • If you are not currently working in Malta and applying for your first work permit, the course is mandatory.

   • This applies even if your work permit application has already been submitted and is waiting for approval in Nepal.

2. Candidates applying for Tourism or Hospitality jobs

   • After the general Pre-Departure Course, these candidates must also complete the Skills Pass Tourism & Hospitality module.

3. Applicants who have never completed the Pre-Departure Course before

   • Phase 1: Online exams on topics such as living in Malta, workplace standards, rights, and obligations.

   • Phase 2: In-person interview at VFS or a designated centre to confirm understanding and communication skills.

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Who Does NOT Need to Do the Pre-Departure Course

1. Candidates already working in Malta

   • Those applying for a renewal of their work permit usually do not need the full course.

2. Candidates changing jobs in Malta

   • If you already hold a valid work permit, the full course is generally not required, though some sector-specific modules may apply.

3. Candidates who already completed the Pre-Departure Course previously

   • Only first-time applicants must complete it again.

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Additional Notes

• Certificate: After completing the course and exams, candidates receive a digital certificate via Hyland.

• Visa Requirement: For first-time applicants, the certificate may be required during visa application in Nepal.

• Start Work in Malta: TRC application and work commencement are only allowed after course completion (and visa issuance if applicable).

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✅ Summary Table

Candidate Type	Pre-Departure Course Required?
First-time work permit applicant	Yes
Work permit already applied, waiting approval	Yes
Already working in Malta, renewing permit	No
Changing jobs in Malta	Usually No
Tourism/Hospitality sector	Yes (Skills Pass also required)
Completed Pre-Departure Course previously	No