Issues facing elderly Maltese return migrants in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the return of Maltese, elderly migrants to the Maltese Islands. In examining the return phase of the migration cycle, this sub-group of the elderly population is traced throughout their migration experience: pre-departure, activity in the host country, and reactions on their return. A series of propositions are developed and tested regarding the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of these elderly returned migrants, their motives for the return and issues raised during the re-integration process back into the homeland. Their expectations are highlighted. The findings showed that the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the Maltese, elderly, returned migrant correspond with findings of older movers abroad who travel and settle within their own country or to another country apart from their homeland. Results also support findings that family related motives were the predominantly underlying factors for precipitating the return move. The other major findings in this study revealed that over half of the respondents were satisfied with their decision to return, but together with their disconnected counterparts these returnees still had difficulties in having satisfying re integration. Such issues ranged from a conflict in cultural and lifestyle contrasts pertaining to the local community's attitudes and behaviour, the environment, the quality of services, law enforcement citizens' rights, and issues relating to dual citizenship and pensions.