A remote working scheme has been launched aimed at companies providing for any Gozitan workers who live on the sister-island to work from home.

The scheme will see Malta-based companies receive a subsidy for the costs associated with allowing such employees to work remotely from their Gozo-based homes.

Called the Gozo Teleworking Scheme, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri highlighted that the authorities acknowledge the costs borne by companies allowing remote-working, and said the subsidy will help to address this while also contributing to the work-life balance of such workers by reducing commuting time.

Malta-based companies can receive a benefit for up to 10-workers based in Gozo per year.

The benefit will provide a financial incentive on two fronts:

A 75 per cent partial reimbursement of technology-related expenses for each employee, based on a maximum cost of €850.

A salary reimbursement of up to €10,000 over three years, on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the number of days per week an employee is scheduled to work remotely.

Minister Camilleri observed that the authorities will continue to consider the scheme’s sustainability in a prudent way. Companies offering remote working on a long-term basis can expect an annual reimbursement of the following:

A maximum of €3,000 in the first and second year and a maximum of €4,000 in the third year.

Salary reimbursements will be given after the first year of remote working, while partial reimbursement of technology-related expenses will be disbursed after the Gozo Minstry’s reviews a required application.

More information will be made available on the Gozo Ministry website in the coming days.