TCNs : the integration of third country nationals in Malta

Abstract

Socially excluded people are often denied access to opportunities, usually available to others, to increase their income and escape from poverty. Indeed, even though the economy may grow and general income levels may rise, socially excluded people and people living on the margin are likely to be left behind. Studies seem to suggest that poverty reduction policies often fail to reach people at risk, unless they are specifically designed for each respective vulnerable group. Such a shortcoming in the implementation and effect of policies impedes the efficient operation of market forces and restrains economic growth. For example, discrimination in the labour market may make Third Country Nationals (TCNs) decide it is not worth their while to invest in financial independence, with the result that they may fall victim to the benefit trap. This is indeed increased when women are involved. The study will ask whether admission policies in partner countries i.e. Malta, Sicily, Germany, Belgium and Cyprus are really supporting the integration of TCNs or whether they are instead reinforcing their disadvantaged and vulnerable position in the labour market and society. The project seeks to influence policy makers in setting up a legal framework and policy measures to support the social and labour market inclusion of TCNs. The State is key to break down barriers that lead to inclusion in the labour market and to service provision. Indeed, while main international human rights agreements all promote measures to tackle discrimination against TCNs, the onus rests with individual country governments to protect those rights by producing their own domestic legislation to guarantee them. In order to make lasting progress, it is often necessary to support TCNs, especially groups of women, so that they can benefit from successful policies, especially admission policies that may effectively be the cause of their social exclusion. The project aims to do just that: it aims to highlight admission policies and assess their role in the social integration of TCNs.