Malta’s unemployment rate increased to 3.5% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.7% in the same period a year earlier. The number of unemployed persons rose by 3,039 over the year to reach 12,093, while the inactive population grew by 4,196 to 165,082. Women represented 56.9% of all inactive individuals, with those aged over 65 making up the largest age group at 56.8%. The primary reason cited for inactivity was reaching retirement age or opting for early retirement, accounting for 43% of inactive persons.
At the same time, the employment rate edged down to 79.6% from 80.4% in Q1 2025, even though the number of employed persons increased by 6,039 to 333,682. The activity rate for the quarter slipped slightly to 82.6% from 82.7%, with the highest labour market participation observed among those aged 25 to 54, at 91.6%.
