A comparative study on the access to social protection for migrant workers from outside the EU who are living in Malta or Ireland on the basis of an employment license

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the national social protection legislation of Malta and Ireland, focusing specifically on the Social Security Act of Malta, and Ireland’s Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (running consolidation). Access to four welfare benefits is examined: unemployment benefits, pensions, guaranteed minimum resources, and healthcare benefits. The research aims to assess the level of access third-country national (TCN) workers with a single work permit (Malta) or general work permit (Ireland) have to these benefits, and to identify the challenges they face. Additionally, the study aims to analyse specific social protection characteristics in each country, aligning them with Sainsbury’s theoretical welfare regime framework. The research is contextualised in Chapters 1-3, with a brief introduction to each country’s social protection and third-country national migration contexts. A qualitative research approach is adopted, using policy content analysis and descriptive coding to examine the legislative texts, and a cross-national comparative design is applied to address the two-country focus. The findings and analysis reveal that although the legislation states the same eligibility requirements for all applicants, the intersection of social protection legislation, immigration legislation, and administrative procedures, result in TCN workers being disproportionately disadvantaged when trying to access social protection. Additionally, it is highlighted that both countries demonstrate characteristics of the conservative corporatist and liberal welfare regime types. Considering the findings, key recommendations include modifying legislation to ensure clearer eligibility and decision-making processes, increasing training for professionals involved in the social protection system, and providing unemployment benefits and allowing longer timeframes for TCN workers to find new employment. It is also recommended to increase the accessibility of information for TCN workers, and to promote changes aimed at supporting and protecting all workers equally. Overall, the findings highlight the need for accessible and equitable social protection provision, founded on the principle of valuing and supporting all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.