Work permit application fees for non-EU workers in Malta will increase from €600 to €800 in 2027, as part of the measures announced in Budget 2027.Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced the €200 increase during today’s Budget speech, alongside an additional charge for work permit renewals.Under the new measures, a €400 infrastructure contribution will also be introduced for every work permit renewal.This means that the initial application fee will increase by approximately 33%, while renewals will carry an additional financial charge.The changes form part of a wider package of measures affecting third-country nationals, including restrictions on access to free public transport and free childcare for those who do not hold long-term residence status.The government has presented these measures as part of its efforts to address the growing pressure on Malta’s public services and infrastructure.The higher fees could also have implications for businesses that rely on recruiting workers from outside the European Union, particularly in sectors dependent on foreign labour.What do you think of the increase in work permit fees?•