The experience of being a refugee in Malta

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of refugees currently residing in Malta. The research question which guided this study is: what is the lived experience of being a refugee in Malta? This study seeks therefore, to investigate this experience in a local context. In-depth interviews were carried out with five refugees. The participants had experienced episodes of discrimination in their everyday lives and these left them feeling afraid and worried about their safety. Relations with the Maltese were positive. The participants underwent a change in identity as a result of their new situation. Whilst not all participants were affected by the differences in culture between their country and Malta, those who were affected managed to negotiate these differences and integrate them. All participants experienced loss of family members and friends and most especially of the homeland. This study may be useful for individuals seeking to gain a better understanding of what refugees in Malta go through. This knowledge may aid professionals working with refugees as well as individuals involved in educational campaigns.