"Consultative assessment of Integration of Third Country Nationals” project

Abstract

The objective of this report is to study the factors promoting the integration (or lack of it) of Third Country Nationals who do not possess a humanitarian status in Malta. In so doing, this report promises to open a window upon a hitherto largely unexplored vista in migration research in Malta, which has generally over the past decade focused on the “Boat-People” phenomenon. At the same time, this research has a clear and practical policy focus as it aims to identify policy changes which can promote better migrant integration into Maltese society. We should however be careful when unpacking the term ‘integration’. In practise its meaning is variable and highly indeterminate, despite its pervasiveness in policy and in public discourse. Since it is the root metaphor in terms of which successful migrant insertion into ‘host’ societies is imagined, ‘integration’ will here be understood to refer mainly to the kind of social positioning/incorporation which an individual migrant might achieve within Maltese society, whether this be closer to the multicultural or assimilatory poles of the spectrum. This is of course an extremely flexible use of the term and this study will try to gauge the integration of Third Country Nationals by looking at various different factors, ranging from housing and education to food, legal frameworks and policies. In the process we also aspire, to some extent, to problematise the concept of integration itself, not least by trying to discover the particular models of integration presupposed by different laws and policies and invoked by various stakeholders and Third Country Nationals themselves. This exercise will be undertaken keeping in mind the “Common basic principles for immigrant integration policy in the European Union” developed by the EU in 2004 under the Dutch Presidency. This document, which was intended to guide the Member States in formulating their national integration policies, emphasises the following common basic principles: 1. Integration is a dynamic, two-way process of mutual accommodation by all immigrants and residents of Member States. 2. Integration implies respect for the basic values of the European Union. 3. Employment is a key part of the integration process and is central to the participation of immigrants, to the contributions immigrants make to the host society, and to making such contributions visible. 4. Basic knowledge of the host society’s language, history and institutions is indispensable to integration; enabling immigrants to acquire this basic knowledge is essential to successful integration. 5. Efforts in education are critical to preparing immigrants, and particularly their descendants to be more successful and more active participants in society. 6. Access for immigrants to institutions, as well as to public and private goods and services, on a basis equal to national citizens and in a non-discriminatory way is a critical foundation for better integration. 7. Frequent interaction between immigrants and Member State citizens is a fundamental mechanism for integration. Shared forums, inter-cultural dialogue, education about immigrants and immigrant cultures and stimulating living conditions in urban environments enhance the interactions between immigrants and Member State citizens. 8. The practice of diverse cultures and religions is guaranteed under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and must be safeguarded, unless practices conflict with other inviolable European rights or with national law. 9. The participation of immigrants in the democratic process and in the formulation of integration policies and measures, especially at the local level, supports their integration. 10. Mainstreaming integration policies and measures in all relevant policy portfolios and levels of government and public services is an important consideration in public policy formation and implementation. 11. Developing clear goals, indicators and evaluation mechanisms are necessary to adjust policy, evaluate progress on integration and to make the exchange of information more effective.”