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Work · Malta
Updated September 2026

🚻 I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?

Direct answer

Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE) (2590 3850) is the equality body for Malta: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Il-union tiegħek (GWU, UĦM) (gwu.org.mt) represents you; DIER — Dipartiment għar-Relazzjonijiet Industrijali u tax-Xogħol (1575) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstKummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE)
Report toIl-union tiegħek (GWU, UĦM)
If that failsDIER — Dipartiment għar-Relazzjonijiet Industrijali u tax-Xogħol

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE)."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
  2. Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
  3. Equality body: Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE)Free advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
  4. Union: Il-union tiegħek (GWU, UĦM)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
  5. DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE) for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE)Discrimination complaintsDiscrimination at work, housing, services📞 2590 3850🔗 ncpe.gov.mt
Il-union tiegħek (GWU, UĦM)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 gwu.org.mt
DIER — Dipartiment għar-Relazzjonijiet Industrijali u tax-XogħolInvestigates and acts against employers, complaints onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 1575🔗 dier.gov.mt/en/Pages/Complaints.aspx
Tribunal IndustrijaliUnfair dismissal within 4 months, wagesWithin 4 months of the dismissal📞 2599 0500🔗 industrialtribunal.gov.mt

❓ Frequently asked

Can they punish me for complaining?

Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.

I am pregnant and they cut my hours

Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza (NCPE) the same week.

They say I was not hired because of "fit"

Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “discrimination at work who to contact Malta”
  • “equality body Malta complaint”
  • “pregnancy discrimination work”
  • “unequal pay complaint”
  • “age discrimination hiring”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🛑Harassment at work→⚖️Unfair dismissal→💼Unpaid wages→🧾Client won't pay→

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