Rejected : the difficulties faced by ‘failed’ asylum seekers in the accessibility, adequacy, and affordability of housing in Malta

Abstract

The status of a ‘failed’ asylum seeker carries several multifactorial implications on a legal and psycho-social level. This study examines the difficulties faced by ‘failed’ asylum seekers in accessing adequate and affordable housing in Malta amid the lack of eligibility for state housing benefits and an exorbitant property and rental market. The research design involved a qualitative approach based on narrative inquiry, whereby ‘failed’ asylum seekers were engaged in dialogue about the challenges they face in seeking adequate, accessible, and affordable housing along with interviews with key stakeholders involved in the development and provision of housing and migration policies and services. In addition, an analysis of current housing policies, schemes, and services was conducted to highlight their eligibility and exclusionary criteria for ‘failed’ asylum seekers. ‘Failed’ asylum seekers not only find it difficult to access adequate and affordable housing, but their legal status impacts their participation in all aspects of social life with various negative implications for wellbeing at both the individual and community level. The study provides a better understanding of the difficulties that ‘failed’ asylum seekers face when they try to access affordable and adequate housing and provides a number of policy recommendations to improve the lives of this marginalised group within Maltese society and address systematic inequalities and human rights violations.