Refugee integration in Maltese law : are we conforming to European standards?

Abstract

Integration is a dynamic two-way process, which starts when refugees arrive in the host country. With little hope of ever returning to their country, refugees have to start a new life and integrate in the country of asylum. The subject of refugee integration has been the issue of pertinent and debatable policy-making both in Malta and at a European level. This thesis aims to discuss the integration process and durable solutions that help to promote the integration of beneficiaries of protection. Special focus is given to problems faced by refugees, especially those reaching our shores, and to Malta’s approach to integrating beneficiaries of international protection, both locally and at European level. This focus has necessitated an examination of national legal issues on refugee integration in light of the European Union Directives. This research gives an insight of the historical background of integration policies in selected Member States to analyse how they are coping with the policy implementation. This will help the reader understand the latest legal developments on integration. Finally, the study concludes by submitting recommendations on the way forward to address the diverse challenges Malta faces on refugee integration issues.