The immigration reform vis-a-vis the EU

Abstract

As Malta came to be an official member of the European Union on the 1st of May 2004, certain areas of its social infrastructure require certain modifications. One area that is undergoing change is the Immigration System. Malta has now to align its position with the Acquis Communitaire relating to external borders and, in particular, the Schengen agreement. In a nutshell, amendments to be considered will include provisions within the operational immigration arena. A main emphasis is accordingly that of external border enforcement and the removal of internal borders. A basic concept to bear in mind is that of reciprocity; where mostly the amendments devised will mutually affect other involved parties. This thesis sets to analyze these changes and to examine how such modifications are likely to influence Malta's social and political structures, mainly by an attempt which assesses people's perception towards these changes and their likely outcome.