Green Ribbon Project: Supporting Third-Country Nationals in Malta

Third-country nationals have become an important part of Malta’s workforce, working across hospitality, healthcare, care services, construction, transport, cleaning, retail and many other sectors.

At the same time, foreign workers increasingly find themselves part of wider discussions about Malta’s growing population, traffic, development, wages and pressure on infrastructure.

The Green Ribbon Project aims to bring a different message into that conversation: recognising the contribution of foreign workers and showing support for the people who came to Malta to work and build a life here.

Why the Green Ribbon?

The idea is simple. Individuals, employees, employers, businesses and communities are encouraged to wear or display a green ribbon as a visible sign of support for foreign workers in Malta.

TCN Alliance Malta, a community dedicated to supporting and informing third-country nationals living and working in Malta, is among those supporting the Green Ribbon Project and encouraging others to get involved.

Speaking to Expatax Malta on behalf of TCN Alliance Malta, Patricia Graham explained the importance of making that support visible:

Every person wearing a green ribbon is needed.

The message behind the ribbon reflects much of the work already being done by TCN Alliance Malta: raising awareness of the experiences of third-country nationals, helping people better understand their rights and encouraging a fairer conversation about their place within Maltese society.

Foreign workers are part of Malta’s everyday life. They work in restaurants and shops, hospitals and care homes, on construction sites, in transport and across numerous other services and businesses.

The project asks people to recognise that contribution rather than simply seeing another statistic about foreign workers.

Looking Beyond the Blame

Malta faces genuine challenges surrounding population growth, development, traffic, housing and pressure on infrastructure.

But these are complex issues, and the Green Ribbon Project encourages people not to place responsibility for them on individual foreign workers.

Many TCNs came to Malta because workers were needed. They applied for available jobs, relocated here and became part of the Maltese workforce.

At the same time, some TCNs already living in Malta find themselves searching for another opportunity while businesses continue to recruit internationally. Losing a job can create particular uncertainty for a TCN because employment and residence status are closely connected.

The message is not about pointing fingers. It is about encouraging better planning, fair treatment and greater recognition of the workers who are already here.

A Shared Interest

Supporting TCNs does not mean ignoring the concerns of Maltese workers or residents.

Many concerns are shared: fair wages, decent employment conditions, affordable living and a country that develops at a sustainable pace. Nor is this about portraying employers negatively. Many Maltese businesses value their foreign employees, treat them fairly and recognise how important they have become to their operations.

The Green Ribbon is therefore not intended to create another divide. It is an opportunity for TCN Alliance Malta, other communities, businesses and individuals to stand behind a shared message: people can discuss Malta’s migration challenges while still recognising and respecting the people who live and work here.

Show Your Support

TCN Alliance Malta is encouraging others to join the Green Ribbon Project and help make that support visible.

If you would like to take part, wear a green ribbon, display one in your shop, restaurant, office or workplace, share this article and encourage others to participate. You can also visit TCN Alliance Malta to learn more about its work and the issues affecting third-country nationals living and working in Malta.

The gesture is simple, but the message matters: recognise the contribution, support the people and help create a fairer conversation.