The Government has introduced a new visa category intended for those athletes from third countries who come to do a trial with Maltese clubs. The aim of this sports visa is to have clear and serious rules, which facilitate the work of clubs in the sports sector, at the same time that the authorities have control of the situation and full visibility of reality as it is.
The Minister for the Interior, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, gave details about this in a press conference.
“Established procedures, and clear processes are evidence of fair systems and good governance,” said Minister Camilleri while emphasizing how the same clear rules mean less bureaucracy for clubs in the sports sector. However, it is clear that this visa is only used by athletes, as those who are approved can only be employed in the sports sector and no other role.
He explained how in reality, a player or athlete is brought in for a trial before being given a contract. This issue arose during the consultation on the Malta Labour Migration Policy, and the Government has addressed it through this new policy.
To apply for it there are a number of eligibility criteria, with a number of new criteria joining others already in force.
Minister Camilleri explained how the applicant must be invited for a trial by a club registered with Sport Malta or with national sports entities relevant to that sport, such as the Malta Football Association or the Aquatic Sports Association, or similar sports entities. In this process the club must provide; evidence of registration, how long it is intended to keep the player for the trial in Malta and the nature of the trial, as well as confirmation that if that trial is successful, then the player will be given a full-time contract with the team. While during the period in Malta for a trial, the player must have health insurance that covers any health-related services that may be needed, including hospitalization. There must be a declaration signed by the club and there must be proof that this athlete has the means to support himself for the duration of this trial in our country. The sports visa will be valid for a maximum period of one hundred days and cannot be renewed.
While here for a sports trial, one cannot try to work in another activity. If the club wishes to keep the player, then up to twenty days before the Visa expires, the process of requesting the relevant permits must be initiated. A person who is not employed must leave the country before the end of the Visa.
“In the way we manage immigration, we cannot allow loopholes because otherwise we would be weakening the position of the Maltese authorities,” said Minister Camilleri who also added that this will help clubs face less bureaucracy as a result of clear and efficient processes.
Minister Camilleri said that this is one of several initiatives through which the Ministry for the Interior, Security and Employment is supporting the sports sector. “I believe that this Ministry must continue to successfully fulfil its main functions in the areas of security and employment, but this is a Ministry that borders on other sectors and therefore wherever possible it must also continue to support other sectors of society that have a positive effect on the quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitans.”