Migration push factors from the Horn of Africa to the EU : a case study of the Eritrean and Somali communities in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation looks through the different migration push factors of refugees, precisely, the natives of the Horn of Africa from Somalia and Eritrea. Among different possibilities, this study focuses on wars, terrorism, poverty, health, socio-economics and environmental indicators as the main migration push factors. After an analysis of all the indicators, a deeper investigation is directed on climate change and environmental degradation as possible exclusive migration push factors. The literature mentions the rise of a new concept, Climate-Induced Migration. Finally, this dissertation offers an overview of the effect of migration in Malta. It investigates governmental and NGO initiatives towards obtaining sustainable migration reforms. It briefly mentions Maltese and EU legislations and tries to measure their efficiency. In order to test the findings of the literature, this dissertation offers a perspective of seven Somali and five Eritrean nationals who obtained humanitarian protection in Malta. These primary sources were obtained through a case study of the two communities in Malta, and by conducting semi structured interviews. The findings were then analysed and compared with those of the literature. A mixed methods approach was deemed best for this dissertation, to benefit from the advantages of both methods and compensate for the limitations. The results of the interviews confirm findings from the literature where, although climate change and environmental degradation are contributing to an ever increasing number of migrants, these specific causes have not yet fully translated into migration push factors. The interviews revealed that government corruption, wars with neighbouring countries, and conflict and terrorism were the key reasons behind the decisions for Somali and Eritrean nationals living in Malta to leave their home countries. With regards to Maltese and European integration policy initiatives, the majority of the interviewees felt that notwithstanding an increase in the number of initiatives, little has been achieved so far to promote effective integration. This research also found that the majority of the interviewees aspire toward a more promising future in EU northern countries.