Malta has unveiled its Integration Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2030, aiming to foster a cohesive society where Maltese citizens and migrants coexist harmoniously.
This plan outlines six key policy goals, each accompanied by specific action plans to ensure effective implementation.
1. Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Integration
The government intends to review and amend national laws to incorporate integration measures comprehensively. A notable action under this policy is the establishment of an Integration Scientific Committee, composed of experts to provide guidance on integration initiatives. Additionally, the plan includes developing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to facilitate collaboration. An example of this is the proposed MoU with local NGOs to support community-based integration programs.
2. Improving Government Services for Migrants
To ensure a coordinated approach, the strategy emphasizes conducting research on the effectiveness of integration-related government services. One significant action is the enhancement of data-sharing systems across government departments to streamline services for migrants. The plan also proposes establishing the National Integration Support Centre (NISC) under the Human Rights Directorate (HRD) as a "one-stop-shop" for migrant services, providing assistance ranging from legal aid to employment support.
3. Enhancing and Expanding Integration Programs
The strategy aims to revamp the national "I Belong" program to include various measures. One such measure is the Pre-Departure Integration Measures (PDIMs), ensuring migrants receive information about Maltese laws, culture, and responsibilities before arriving. For instance, the plan includes developing online modules accessible to prospective migrants, covering topics like Maltese societal norms and legal expectations.
4. Improving Migrant Well-Being in Key Areas
The plan prioritizes enhancing living conditions, employment opportunities, education, and healthcare for migrants. Actions include simplifying documentation processes, such as residency and work permits, to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. An example is the proposed digital platform to expedite work permit applications. The strategy also emphasizes strengthening labor laws to prevent discrimination and exploitation, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
5. Empowering Local Communities for Inclusive Integration
The strategy encourages active participation from local councils and stakeholders. Actions include training local councils to better engage with migrant populations and supporting migrant-led initiatives that promote social cohesion. For example, the plan proposes funding community events organized by migrant groups to celebrate cultural diversity, fostering mutual understanding between migrants and locals.
6. Raising Awareness and Promoting Social Inclusion
To foster mutual understanding and counter discrimination, the government plans to launch national awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of integration. An action under this policy is collaborating with media outlets to ensure fair and balanced representation of migrants. The strategy also includes developing a monitoring and evaluation system to track integration progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The document can be accessed here
Hozzászólások