Living in parallel worlds or a fusion of cultures? : a study on refugee integration : a policy perspective

Abstract

This dissertation directs its attention to the integration of refugees in the Maltese Society. The context of immigration is exceedingly relevant today, as has been for several years and will continue to be in the future. The purpose is to produce groundwork which maps the factors which encapsulate integration and inclusion. Reaching this objective was done through a qualitative approach, carrying out document analysis which continues to build upon the literature reviewed, to result in a conceptual framework towards integration. The framework is built upon deductively and inductively emerged ‘superordinate themes’ which form part of ‘groupings’ titled ‘Stakeholders’, ‘Sectoral Policy’, ‘Nationhood’ and ‘New Overarching Themes’. These are then expanded to detailed ‘subordinate themes’ through ‘coding’ of a total of six documents, three documents produced by Maltese entities, and three documents produced by supranational European entities. This research allowed for the generation of sound policy recommendations aimed towards the public sector which meet the needs and concepts described in the themes. An implication of the research was an unsuccessful second methodology – focus group analysis. The rationale behind carrying out a focus group with refugees was to gather information about their lived experiences. This would also contribute to knowledge about their realities surrounding the different themes which evolved in the initial conceptual framework consolidated from the literature reviewed. Although the practical approach towards the research question ‘failed’, the complications in recruiting refugees for a fruitful discussion nonetheless highlighted specific findings about the academia, the third sector and contact with refugees in Malta.