A report on national integration policies in Malta

Abstract

This paper gives an outline of existing national and political discourse pertaining to integration policies and actions in Malta. We will show how, although the number of migrants residing in Malta has increased and doubled over the past decade, the same cannot be said of national integration actions or the implementation of a holistic national integration policy. In this regard, the author is not aware of any specific integration tools used in-country, nor of any tools or agreements used prior to departure in the country of origin. The paper also examines the role and position of non-state actors in Malta. Much of the public and political discourse relating to the integration of migrants is driven by international organisations present in Malta and locally registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs). However, an absence of migrant-led NGOs has also been noted. Finally, a brief overview of the existing bilateral and multilateral international agreements signed by Malta that may have an impact on the integration of migrants is also given.