Malta's perception of irregular immigrants and the pursuit of an effective structural inclusion policy

Abstract

From a predominantly emigration country Malta has over the years shifted to a country of net immigration and is today facing an influx of immigration predominately from sub Sahara Africa. This has led to irregular immigration becoming one of the most socially and politically sensitive issues in Malta. From initial sympathy there has been a shift to outright concern and some far right sentiments. Its impacts and subsequent effects are inevitable for any country, especially one as small as Malta. Hurdles need to be overcome in order to push forward and properly manage the issue. Good bilateral relations with neighbouring Mediterranean countries are crucial. An EU that recognizes the vulnerability of its southern borders as well as implements programmes to share the burden is crucial. Malta has implemented EU and UN directives in relation to managing irregular immigrants but the strain on the country is evident and failures have been reported by international NGO's. Malta has made improvements to the manner in which it processes, accommodates, educates and cares for irregular immigrants. Local companies employ immigrants but some take advantage of the situation and grossly underpay them, employing them illegally. Far right parties have emerged and the media and blogs have played a part in promoting these. Further improvements need to be made to create effective structural inclusion policies to curtail abuse in employment issues, improve housing and education of both immigrants, the local population as well as the media in order to facilitate the integration of irregular immigrants into the community as Malta may find that these can and will contribute to the nation. We can be united in diversity.