Migrants and the challenge of decent work in Malta

Abstract

This paper investigates the challenges faced by migrants in their quest for decent work in the context of the small country of Malta. The country witnessed an extraordinary growth of migrant workers in recent years. While some laws promote migrants’ decent employment, others act as barriers. The Maltese population has traditionally resisted foreign workers and multiculturalism. However, such attitudes started improving especially among social partners who are increasingly supporting migrant workers and trying to improve their working conditions. Research indicates a range of difficulties faced by migrant workers in Malta, including: barriers to accessing employment; underemployment and lack of job mobility; insufficient training opportunities; higher risk of poverty despite working long hours; greater health and safety risks especially among those in undeclared work; complex relationships with superiors, colleagues and clients; and low unionisation. The Covid-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability of migrants and reversed some of the progress that had been accomplished in recent years, especially in terms of social attitudes.