EU nationals in Malta : pull factors and keeping their culture alive

Abstract

Migration has increased all around Europe, with individuals constantly moving from one place to another to work, study, live, and travel. When Malta joined the European Union in 2004, one of the conditionalities was the free movement of people from one EU country to another, leading to an increased number of EU nationals in Malta. The study focused on migration in Malta, specifically EU migrants, to gain insight into their experiences and any concerns they would like to address. The research addressed two research questions: why EU citizens chose Malta to migrate to and how these migrants keep their culture alive when they are not in their home country. The literature helped to define the migration process, focusing on Malta and the pull factors that attract them to the country while also mentioning those factors that push people away from a country. Culture and its link to migration were also mentioned. A qualitative approach was used to delve further into this topic. A survey was distributed among EU nationals currently residing in Malta using a mixed-method approach consisting of open-ended and closed questions. These participants were able to provide insight into their lives in Malta, their experiences and opinions, and any difficulties that they encountered. This research showed the factors that most attract EU citizens to come to Malta while also getting to know their various challenges and concerns. It also mentions how they managed to maintain their culture despite not being in their home country. The link between migration and culture was also explored, focusing on the Maltese islands. The survey findings, therefore, play a crucial role in understanding the experiences and concerns of EU migrants in Malta, providing a comprehensive view of their lives and the challenges they face.