Aditus report recommends integration of migrants

An Aditus-commissioned report entitled 'Malta Integration Network - A way forward for a national integration policy', which aims to produce concrete recommendations on integrating third-country nationals (TCNs) into Malta and Maltese society, was published this afternoon.

The document, which is aimed at national policy-makers, tackles areas such as education, labour market mobility, family reunion and political participation of TCNs.

"These are areas which need to be improved for the integration of these persons," Neil Falzon, the project's coordinator said.

"Throughout our research, we held several meetings with various stakeholders such as migrant communities, national institutions and even the media to capture what recommendations could be included," he added.

A recent Eurostat survey showed that Maltese citizens made up 93.3% of the country's total population, while the number of foreign citizens stood at approximately 6.7%.

Meanwhile, foreign population has increased from 11,999 in 2005 to 18,088 in 2010 and 20,384 in 2011.

Among others the report recommends that TCNs should be allowed to vote in local elections, provide them with training and education in relation to their labour rights.

"Our aim is to see these recommendations transposed into law and policy," Falzon said.