VFS Global has signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with the Government of Malta, expanding a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades and broadening cooperation in citizen services, skills assessment, workforce development and international education.

The agreement brings together Malta’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA), Identità, the country’s identity management agency, and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), creating an enhanced framework for collaboration.

The JDI was signed on the sidelines of the WTTC Global Summit in Malta by Christopher Cutajar for the MFEA, Col. Edric Zahra for Identità, Pierre Fenech for ITS and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global. WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara and senior representatives from the participating organisations attended the signing.

The expanded agreement builds on VFS Global’s existing work with the Maltese Government and Identità, which currently covers short- and long-stay visa services and skills assessment.

Under the new framework, the partners will also develop citizen and consular support services for Maltese nationals living overseas, in coordination with the MFEA.

Cooperation with ITS will also be expanded.

Previously focused on facilitating interviews for hospitality and tourism positions, skills assessment services will now support talent requirements across additional sectors.

The partnership will further facilitate a skilled and verified workforce to address Malta’s changing employment needs across key economic sectors, while supporting initiatives aimed at positioning Malta as a preferred destination for international education.

The Government of Malta said the expanded partnership would strengthen services for Maltese citizens while helping address evolving workforce requirements.

By bringing together visa facilitation, identity services, citizen support and skills development, the agreement is intended to provide more accessible and citizen-focused services while supporting Maltese communities overseas.

The signing also reflects VFS Global’s broader engagement with the global travel and tourism sector. The company maintains a close relationship with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), with Karkaria serving on the council’s Executive Committee. Discussions at this year’s Global Summit included the role of secure, seamless and inclusive cross-border mobility in the future of tourism.

Karkaria said: “Our partnership with the Government of Malta has evolved significantly since it began in 2008, and this MoU marks an important new chapter in that journey. The expansion of our collaboration into citizen services for Maltese nationals overseas and skills development across strategic sectors reflects the confidence placed in VFS Global as a trusted partner. We are proud to support Malta's ambitions to strengthen global mobility, deepen engagement with its diaspora, and build a future-ready workforce." -TradeArabia News Service