In recent years, Gozo has seen sustained growth across a variety of sectors. As the island evolves, it is essential to examine employment from the perspective of sustainability and quality.
A thriving community must focus on the factors essential to long-term economic development. Over the years, Gozo’s economy has evolved from a traditional reliance on agriculture and small-scale industry towards a service-based economy. Economic development hinges on several factors, starting with education and a diverse array of skills that complement the island’s main industries. Alongside these come supporting services and new avenues tied to emerging niches in Gozo’s economy today. While the primary and secondary sectors remain relevant to the island’s identity, tourism and hospitality, professional business services, ICT, and other knowledge-based services have not only contributed to and diversified the economy but are now crucial segments.
The growth in services, which is increasingly connected with digitalisation, remote work, professional services, and higher-value activities, means that ultimately greater attention needs to be given to the quality of employment and the ability to attract and retain talent. Stable employment, competitive conditions, professional development, work-life balance and career opportunities are increasingly important in ensuring that Gozo has a skilled and resilient workforce capable of supporting the island’s future economic growth.
This is exactly what the Supporting Sustainable Quality Employment in Gozo Scheme 2026 aims to address. The scheme supports and consolidates full-time, indefinite employment in Gozo by partially reimbursing employers’ salaries over 3 years for employers who invest in building their human resources by paying a certain level of wages or salaries.
Attractive salary packages are often a key factor when employees consider changing jobs or seeking new employment opportunities. Employers are aware of the need to stay competitive, even if this can be tricky to balance with existing costs. The Supporting Sustainable Quality Employment in Gozo Scheme 2026 helps to absorb some of the added costs of enhanced salary packages. When remuneration is competitive, employees are less inclined to seek ‘greener’ pastures, and this results in lower staff turnover. Moreover, when implemented across the island’s sectors, it can help bring Gozo’s average annual basic salary closer to the national average and, at a macro level, contribute to addressing the regional wage gap.
Employers located or registered in Gozo can benefit from the scheme, which is open to all newly employed staff based in Gozo starting on or after 1 November 2025, and to existing employees based in Gozo who have been continuously employed with the same employer since 1 January 2018.
In the latter case, the scheme applies where the employer has already benefited from a full 3-year cycle under previous schemes, such as the Gozo Employment Refund Scheme, Gozo Back-Office Employment Refund Scheme, Supporting Sustainable Quality Employment Scheme, and Supporting Knowledge Based Sectors in Gozo Scheme. The employee in question must have a minimum basic annual salary of €18,000.
Partial reimbursement for newly employed staff starts at a salary level of €13,999, and yearly reimbursement scales up with salary. For example, for an eligible employee earning €17,999, the employer will be reimbursed €1,750 plus 5% of basic annual salary. The total maximum potential reimbursement for this employee after 3 years will be €7,950.
The Supporting Sustainable Quality Employment in Gozo Scheme 2026 will close at the end of November 2026. Eligible employers who have not yet considered the scheme are encouraged to explore how it could help strengthen their workforce through more sustainable and competitive employment conditions.
At a time when a variety of experienced and skilled professionals may consider pursuing careers in Gozo, creating attractive and sustainable employment opportunities is essential. By investing in quality employment, Gozo can better attract and retain talent, support business development, and ensure the benefits of economic growth are sustained across the island.
