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Introduction
In the first half of 2017, over 105.000 asylum seekers and migrants entered Europe via the three Mediterranean routes: Central Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Balkans. Considering this situation, the role and responsibility of costal Mediterranean countries such as Malta have become of high importance. In this module, we will look at the migration phenomenon in relation to Malta. In particular, we will look at:
In the first half of 2017, over 105.000 asylum seekers and migrants entered Europe via the three Mediterranean routes: Central Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Balkans. Considering this situation, the role and responsibility of costal Mediterranean countries such as Malta have become of high importance. In this module, we will look at the migration phenomenon in relation to Malta. In particular, we will look at:
- current migration trends in Malta and the Mediterranean;
- the situation of Malta both as a destination and as a transit country;
- real-life stories from people who migrated to Malta to give you a first-hand view on the challenges and opportunities they encounter.
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A new start in Malta
Before we dive into this module, have a look at the following video on Somalian refugees living in Malta. The video portrays the experience of a group of friends who used to play professional football in Somalia, until the game became an illegal activity. The protagonists talk about their lives in Somalia, the oppression and the harsh conditions they experienced. As their story unfolds, we discover that after a regime change, sports and watching games or movies on TV became dangerous and illegal activities. Have a look at this video and discover the path these young football players are following to build a fulfilling new life on the island. |
Click on the icon to
watch the video clip! |
Migration trends in Malta: IOM's Information
Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands boast a rich history of migration. The legacy of 7,000 years of colonization is revealed in the language, architecture, political establishment, discourse and day-to-day realities. Today, just as before, the presence of migrant populations living in Malta is evident – from classrooms to hospitals, from board rooms to construction sites. The contribution that migrants make to Maltese society is real, dynamic and enriching. But migration does not come without its challenges.
However, oOver the past few years, a number of factors changed the immigration trends of the country. Apart from its warm climate and location in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004 resulted in an increase of European Union citizens coming to Malta, driven by various reasons: labour market opportunities, family unity, and the pursuit of studies or research.
But not all who reach the Maltese shores do so out of opportunity or through regular channels. Some do so out of necessity, fleeing war and persecution, which has driven them out of their countries of origin. People usually enter Europe via three main migration routes:; Central Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Balkans. The Central Mediterranean Route was dominant in 2014, with most people arriving in Italy from Libya, Tunisia or Egypt. In the first six months of 2015, the Eastern Mediterranean route became the primary maritime route, especially for Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis. Partly as a result of its geographical location as a gateway to Europe, since 2002, a high number of asylum-seekers have arrived in Malta, often after being rescued within Malta’s search and rescue region. While a significant number have moved on to other countries, whether through formal (relocation or resettlement) or informal channels, others remained.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malta estimates in its 2014 midyear update that less than 30 per cent of the around 19,000 individuals who arrived by boat from Libya since 2002 remain in Malta, while more than 2,600 beneficiaries of protection have been resettled or relocated since 2005.
Jumping two years ahead, according to the Maltese Education Minister, a total number of 25,000 EU nationals, and 9,000 third country nationals were working in Malta as at the end of September 2016. The highest number of third country nationals working on the islands came from the Philippines (1,625) and Serbia (1,380).
As cited by the ODI report, among the most frequent factors shaping people’s decisions to migrate there are personal and political security and work opportunities. However, a person’s motives may change in nature and in importance over the course of their journey, suggesting that categorising individuals as “economic migrants” or “asylum-seekers” does not reflect the complex and fluid reality of people’s experiences.
Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands boast a rich history of migration. The legacy of 7,000 years of colonization is revealed in the language, architecture, political establishment, discourse and day-to-day realities. Today, just as before, the presence of migrant populations living in Malta is evident – from classrooms to hospitals, from board rooms to construction sites. The contribution that migrants make to Maltese society is real, dynamic and enriching. But migration does not come without its challenges.
However, oOver the past few years, a number of factors changed the immigration trends of the country. Apart from its warm climate and location in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004 resulted in an increase of European Union citizens coming to Malta, driven by various reasons: labour market opportunities, family unity, and the pursuit of studies or research.
But not all who reach the Maltese shores do so out of opportunity or through regular channels. Some do so out of necessity, fleeing war and persecution, which has driven them out of their countries of origin. People usually enter Europe via three main migration routes:; Central Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Balkans. The Central Mediterranean Route was dominant in 2014, with most people arriving in Italy from Libya, Tunisia or Egypt. In the first six months of 2015, the Eastern Mediterranean route became the primary maritime route, especially for Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis. Partly as a result of its geographical location as a gateway to Europe, since 2002, a high number of asylum-seekers have arrived in Malta, often after being rescued within Malta’s search and rescue region. While a significant number have moved on to other countries, whether through formal (relocation or resettlement) or informal channels, others remained.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malta estimates in its 2014 midyear update that less than 30 per cent of the around 19,000 individuals who arrived by boat from Libya since 2002 remain in Malta, while more than 2,600 beneficiaries of protection have been resettled or relocated since 2005.
Jumping two years ahead, according to the Maltese Education Minister, a total number of 25,000 EU nationals, and 9,000 third country nationals were working in Malta as at the end of September 2016. The highest number of third country nationals working on the islands came from the Philippines (1,625) and Serbia (1,380).
As cited by the ODI report, among the most frequent factors shaping people’s decisions to migrate there are personal and political security and work opportunities. However, a person’s motives may change in nature and in importance over the course of their journey, suggesting that categorising individuals as “economic migrants” or “asylum-seekers” does not reflect the complex and fluid reality of people’s experiences.
Sources:
The People for Change Foundation: IOM - Migration in Malta – Country profile 2015
UNHCR: Desperate journeys - Refugees and migrants entering and crossing Europe via the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes, January-April 2017
UNHCR: Malta Asylum Trends
ODI: Why people move: understanding the drivers and trends of migration to Europe, Working Paper 430
Malta Independent - 25,000 EU nationals, 9,000 third country nationals working in Malta as at end September 2016, March 2017
The People for Change Foundation: IOM - Migration in Malta – Country profile 2015
UNHCR: Desperate journeys - Refugees and migrants entering and crossing Europe via the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes, January-April 2017
UNHCR: Malta Asylum Trends
ODI: Why people move: understanding the drivers and trends of migration to Europe, Working Paper 430
Malta Independent - 25,000 EU nationals, 9,000 third country nationals working in Malta as at end September 2016, March 2017
Case study: the Sudanese Association in Malta
This second video will give you a brief glimpse into the life of the Sudanese community living in Malta. It will show you how the members of this community are actively engaged in building a better life together and in collaboration with local communities on the island. In this video, you will see how through their jobs and hobbies, they’ve started to interact with the local community, building relationships and friendships. You will find out why they felt the need to establish their own association, their main objectives, their vision and how their work is contributing not just to a better integration into the Maltese society, but also to their own personal development.
This second video will give you a brief glimpse into the life of the Sudanese community living in Malta. It will show you how the members of this community are actively engaged in building a better life together and in collaboration with local communities on the island. In this video, you will see how through their jobs and hobbies, they’ve started to interact with the local community, building relationships and friendships. You will find out why they felt the need to establish their own association, their main objectives, their vision and how their work is contributing not just to a better integration into the Maltese society, but also to their own personal development.
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Click on the left to watch the video!
By watching this video you can learn how prejudices can be tackled by bringing different nationalities together through education, sport and adult training. It also highlights the extra efforts needed both from migrant and host communities to achieve a more inclusive society. |
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Creative Thinking Exercise
Reflecting on the two videos you saw, how do you think that the lives of the Somali football players or of the members of the Sudanese community have improved since coming to Malta? In your opinion, how can sport and education be used to help migrants integrate into Maltese society? Can you think of ways in which you and your class could foster the integration of migrants in Malta? |
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Summary
In this module, we have focused on migration in and through Malta today and over the last few decades. We have seen that Malta has historically been a country that people migrate to and from, but new migration trends have emerged over the last few years.
Looking Ahead
In module four, we will begin to look at some of the effects of migration both in the host and home countries. We will look at some of the benefits of migration, but also some of the challenges that need to be minimised or overcome. You will reflect on why this matters to you and your students, and who has responsibility to make sure migration works for everybody.
In this module, we have focused on migration in and through Malta today and over the last few decades. We have seen that Malta has historically been a country that people migrate to and from, but new migration trends have emerged over the last few years.
Looking Ahead
In module four, we will begin to look at some of the effects of migration both in the host and home countries. We will look at some of the benefits of migration, but also some of the challenges that need to be minimised or overcome. You will reflect on why this matters to you and your students, and who has responsibility to make sure migration works for everybody.
Additional Reading
- JRS Report – Struggling to survive – an investigation into the risk of poverty among asylum seekers in Malta, October 2016
- European Commission Report - Migration on the Central Mediterranean route - Managing flows, saving lives, January 2017
- UNHCR: Desperate journeys - Refugees and migrants entering and crossing Europe via the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes, January-April 2017
- Managing Mixed Migration: The Central Mediterranean Route to Europe, April 2017
- https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/mediterranean
