Several female refugees ‘never employed’ during their time in Malta

A report published by UNHCR and aditus foundation has given new light on the settlement and integration realities from the perspective of refugees as well as from the viewpoint of personnel within public services in Malta.

The report is based on findings from house visits to 150 refugees and beneficiaries of protection who are living in private accommodation in Malta and on interactive training sessions delivered to front-desk staff and managers of mainstream services.

According to the report, more than half of the refugees confirmed that they were in employment at the time of the interview.

It was noted, however, that several women had never been employed during their time in Malta. Many reported working for extremely low wages, particularly when their work was unregistered.

Few refugees were aware of labour rights, and many confirmed that they did not report substandard conditions and abuse for fear of losing their jobs.

All school-age children assessed in the survey confirmed that they were attending school. A number of parents noted the challenge of settling children properly in the education system when their intentions were to remain in Malta for only for the shorter term.

A majority of refugees confirmed that they were generally able to access public health centres without major problems. Overall, the quality of health related services received was considered very good. Communication remained a main challenge, and some respondents indicated that they had not always been able to understand the guidance and instructions provided by medical service-providers.

The report also states that around two thirds of the refugees reported that they did not have any Maltese friends or acquaintances. Many confirmed that they lived their lives separately from locals, rarely engaging in social interaction.

Of those who reported to have Maltese acquaintances, one third stated that they had developed friendly relations through the workplace. The majority of interviewees said that they had never actively participated in community events, although many have attended village feasts.

A number of refugees reported that they opted not to attend local events due to negative experiences in terms of encountering racist or xenophobic attitudes.

On their private accommodation, a majority of the people interviewed relied on friends and personal contacts to find private housing.

Several people raised their concern that owners rarely provided rental contracts or any other related documentation, with consequential serious implications in terms of their eligibility for housing and social support.

In a joint statement, Solidarity Minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Equal Opportunities Minister Helena Dalli said Malta was continuing to make case for further engagement with the EU on the basis of solidarity.

“But we also need to seriously address the reality of migrants and refugees who are here to stay and give particular attention to the needs of separated and unaccompanied children,” the ministers said.

The two welcomed the report giving attention to the views of those granted asylum as well as the perspective of people working as service providers.

“ Only through establishing the facts of the situation is it possible to define what is required to facilitate positive settlement, foster integration of people granted protection in Malta and ensure the well- being of separated and unaccompanied children.”