The multiple impacts of foreign workers in Malta

Abstract

Spending three years learning sociology at the University of Malta has been fundamental to my life. Sociology helped me in questioning issues that before I did not even think about. The areas that influenced me most in sociology were: urban life, demography and the global character of a particular society. Therefore, I decided to conduct research on how foreign workers in Malta are affecting Maltese Society. Migration is an issue frequently discussed and the Maltese people have mixed opinions to whether they want foreigners to stay or leave this country. The main aim of this dissertation is to investigate whether the locals want to work hand in hand with the foreigners or else whether they prefer Maltese workers only. Thus I decided to carry out interviews in two localities that are heavily affected by foreigners; Sliema and St Paul’s Bay. Apart from the residents, a long interview was scheduled with the General Workers’ Union (GWU) and the Malta Employers’ Association (MEA) as these two organisations respectively represent many employers and employees in Malta and so an expert opinion can be forthcoming.