The Mediterranean Journal of Migration is a multidisciplinary, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access online journal dedicated to exploring migration issues, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean region.
The journal is an initiative of the Platform for Migration of the University of Malta, and was established to create a collaborative and inclusive space for dialogue and relevant research in the field. The platform brings together scholars from diverse academic backgrounds in order to deepen the understanding of the complex and evolving dynamics of international migration, with a particular emphasis on the Mediterranean context. Through this journal, the Platform seeks to promote the sharing of academic knowledge and insights that will contribute to building a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Prof. Helen Grech (Former Editor-in-Chief)
Prof. Isabelle Ragonesi (Editor-in-Chief)
Prof. Dimitris Christopoulos – Political Faculty – Panteion University
Prof. Russell King – Global Studies, University of Sussex
Prof. Sandra Levey – Communication department at Lehman College, New York
Prof. Camille Schmoll – EHESS Paris/ Géographie-cités/ Institut Convergences Migrations
Prof. Vicki Squire – Political and International Studies – University of Warwick
Prof. Nikos Trimikliniotis – School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nicosia
The journal is accepting contributions for its special issue, Health and Migration: Perspectives from the Mediterranean.
Abstracts will be accepted until 31 March 2026.
You can submit your abstract or direct any questions to migration.platform@um.edu.mt and denitsa.markova@um.edu.mt.
The deadline for article submissions is 30 October 2026.
Guest editor: Sue Vella, Associate Professor, Department of Social Policy & Social Work, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta
Co-editor: Christie Hili, PhD, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta
Rationale
This special issue adopts the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) definition of health, namely "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity"[i]. Its primary focus is to shed light on the health status, health risks, and access to healthcare among migrant populations. The term migrant populations includes asylum seekers, refugees, third-country workers, economic migrants and forced migrants.
In its first global report on migrant health, the WHO (2022)[ii] categorises migrants’ health determinants in terms of individual factors (such as age, gender, genetics, and behaviour); social and economic factors (such as health literacy, income, working conditions, social support, and healthcare services) and the physical environment (such as housing, food, and healthy workplaces). Furthermore, factors such as transit-related trauma, legal precarity and discrimination often place migrants at higher risk of mental ill health due to relentless stress. In addition to heightened health risks, migrants often face barriers in accessing healthcare for themselves, even though, as the WHO notes, they contribute to their host countries’ health systems in many ways. These barriers may be formal (such as legal status or entitlement, administrative, or financial barriers) or informal (low health literacy, a lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, language barriers, discrimination, or even fear of deportation).
This issue focuses on the health challenges facing migrants in the Mediterranean region, as well as the policies and systems in place to address them, and how these may be strengthened. Empirical articles using any of a range of methods including, but not limited to, qualitative or quantitative designs, longitudinal designs, small n research, and ethnography, are welcome. Contributions that engage with both the lived realities of migrants and/or the institutional responses to health needs are welcome. Theoretical pieces may be submitted, but preference will be given to empirical articles. Clinical articles may also be submitted but must be accompanied with clear policy and programme implications. Authors should clearly address the context and culture of their scholarship. Single-country studies or comparative studies are welcome, whether comparing with another Mediterranean country or with one outside the Mediterranean region. Though authors may consider submitting any work that falls broadly within this scope, the following are examples of content that closely fits the collection:
[i] See Constitution of the World Health Organization
[ii] World Health Organization (2022). World report on the health of refugees and migrants. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240054462
All articles submitted for consideration will first be assessed by the Editorial Board, to evaluate whether they are compatible with the Journal’s specific focus. Submissions deemed to be in line with the Journal’s scope will subsequently be subjected to double-blind peer review by relevant topic experts.
The following information provides guidance for prospective authors preparing manuscripts for submission to the journal.
(1) A title page containing the manuscript title, the name(s) and institutional affiliation(s) of the author(s), and complete contact details for the corresponding author.
(2) The main text, which should include an abstract (maximum 250 words), 3 to 6 keywords, references, relevant tables and/or figures, a declaration of funding sources and/or conflicts of interest, and any special acknowledgements.
(1) A disclaimer form, provided by the journal administrators
(2) A Turnitin report or another relevant plagiarism check report
(1) Using track changes
(2) Accompanied by a table detailing how each reviewer’s comment has been addressed
Authors are responsible for the content of their submitted articles. As with all peer-reviewed publications, upholding high ethical standards is essential for everyone involved - authors, editors, and reviewers. The University of Malta’s Code of Ethics outlines these expectations and is available on the University website.
Any articles referring to empirical studies require proof of ethical approval by a University or a reputable Body (such as Ministry or Governmental Body) would need to be submitted.
External researchers who may wish to contact the University of Malta Research Ethics Committee (UREC) seeking ethical approval may do so via email to request access credentials. These credentials will allow them to complete the ethical review form and submit it, along with any required documentation, to the appropriate Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC), depending on the area of research. It is important to clearly indicate that the application is being submitted as an external applicant.
Authors attest that their submission is original work intended for first publication in the Journal and confirm that it is not under consideration or published elsewhere.
Following acceptance of abstracts, submissions must be anonymised to comply with the double-blind peer-review process. Authors are encouraged to remove all identifying information, including names and affiliations – prior to review.
Authors agree to adhere to submission deadlines. Following acceptance of the abstract by the Editorial Board, full manuscripts updated according to reviewers’ feedback must be submitted within 2 - 4 weeks for minor revisions or 4 - 6 weeks for major revisions.
Withdrawal of submissions, whether before or after acceptance, requires formal written confirmation from the author.
Upon approval of abstracts, full manuscripts submitted to the Journal are subject to a rigorous process of a double-blind review by a minimum of two reviewers with a relevant academic background and expertise.
Following the review, the Approval Status System assigns one of three designations to submitted articles. An article may be accepted outright (Accepted) if it requires little to no revision, or (Accepted with Revisions) if it holds merit but needs targeted improvements. Articles requiring substantial changes are categorised under (Requires Major Revisions) until they meet editorial standards. Those that fall short must be rewritten entirely and are marked as (Declined).
In cases where, during the review process, the editorial team considers that certain points raised by reviewers require further attention, the editor and editorial board reserve the right to request an additional independent review.
The Editorial Board of the Mediterranean Journal of Migration is committed to ensuring a fair, impartial, and confidential review process. To uphold the integrity of our editorial work, all Board members, administrative and support staff involved in the editorial process, and reviewers agree to the following principles:
