Integration
The People for Change Foundation advocates the development, adoption, and implementation of a national integration policy, along with an overarching national strategy working towards meaningful integration.
In light of the changing demographic population, ethnic diversity is no longer an abstract concept, but rather a concrete reality which frames a number of everyday interactions amongst members of the population. This ever-increasing cultural-diversity necessitates a holistic and comprehensive approach from policy-makers, in order to ensure that the changing reality is no longer ignored, but is addressed and embraced as a prominent feature of Maltese society.
In order for integration efforts to be meaningful, they must go beyond the surface issue of language, and must respect the integrity and nuances of diverse cultures (without falling into the trap of essentialising them). Furthermore, integration should not be considered purely in terms of assimilation to the cultural ideas of the host country. Rather, it must be considered as a two-way process of mutual accommodation. It demands efforts from migrants and the Maltese population alike, calling for both to adapt to new realities and respect the rights and responsibilities of each individual whose country of residence is Malta. In this respect, a future integration policy in Malta must be based upon the Common Basic Principles for Immigrant Integration Policy in the European Union.
The Foundation's work in the area of integration spans across both research and policy action.
In light of the changing demographic population, ethnic diversity is no longer an abstract concept, but rather a concrete reality which frames a number of everyday interactions amongst members of the population. This ever-increasing cultural-diversity necessitates a holistic and comprehensive approach from policy-makers, in order to ensure that the changing reality is no longer ignored, but is addressed and embraced as a prominent feature of Maltese society.
In order for integration efforts to be meaningful, they must go beyond the surface issue of language, and must respect the integrity and nuances of diverse cultures (without falling into the trap of essentialising them). Furthermore, integration should not be considered purely in terms of assimilation to the cultural ideas of the host country. Rather, it must be considered as a two-way process of mutual accommodation. It demands efforts from migrants and the Maltese population alike, calling for both to adapt to new realities and respect the rights and responsibilities of each individual whose country of residence is Malta. In this respect, a future integration policy in Malta must be based upon the Common Basic Principles for Immigrant Integration Policy in the European Union.
The Foundation's work in the area of integration spans across both research and policy action.
PROJECTS AND REPORTS
- ASSESS – Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups
Project funded by the Community Actions of the European Integration Fund. The project looks at the monitoring of the integration of vulnerable migrant groups. The first stage is assessing the monitoring and evaluation of integration measures in the country. PfC is responsible for the implementation of the project in Malta and the European dimension of the project.
- Integration policies: Who benefits? The development and use of indicators in integration debates” (MIPEX 2015)
Project funded by the Community Actions of the European Integration Fund. The project involves the update of the Migrant Integration Policy Index. PFC is the national partner in the project.
- We have conducted research into the national law, policy and practice on various aspects of migration and integration including employment, housing and healthcare.
- The People for Change Foundation is an active actor in the field of anti-racism, specifically where this overlaps with migration and integration.
- We have lobbied for, and subsequently drafted the National Action Plan Against Racism and Xenophobia, commissioned by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.
- We have drafted a Migrant Health Strategy as a lobbying tool.
RESEARCH GROUPS
- PfC convenes the Malta Migration Scholars Network. The network brings together researchers and young academics working in the area of migration in Malta including some focusing on different aspects of integration. The convening of this network provides us with a resource we can rely on for specific expertise.
PARTICIPATION AND EXPERTISE
- The People for Change Foundation is the Maltese representative on the European Integration Forum, including having been rapporteur of specific session on integration on migrants in the labour market.
- The Foundation is the national expert on the Independent Network of Labour Migration and Integration Experts.
- The PfC team has extensive expertise and experience in the field of integration combing a multi-disciplinary approach including legal, social and political dimensions. We also have very good working relationship with various NGOs, Migrant Community Organizations and other stakeholders.
- ASSESS – Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups
Project funded by the Community Actions of the European Integration Fund. The project looks at the monitoring of the integration of vulnerable migrant groups. The first stage is assessing the monitoring and evaluation of integration measures in the country. PfC is responsible for the implementation of the project in Malta and the European dimension of the project.
- Integration policies: Who benefits? The development and use of indicators in integration debates” (MIPEX 2015)
Project funded by the Community Actions of the European Integration Fund. The project involves the update of the Migrant Integration Policy Index. PFC is the national partner in the project.
- We have conducted research into the national law, policy and practice on various aspects of migration and integration including employment, housing and healthcare.
- The People for Change Foundation is an active actor in the field of anti-racism, specifically where this overlaps with migration and integration.
- We have lobbied for, and subsequently drafted the National Action Plan Against Racism and Xenophobia, commissioned by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.
- We have drafted a Migrant Health Strategy as a lobbying tool.
RESEARCH GROUPS
- PfC convenes the Malta Migration Scholars Network. The network brings together researchers and young academics working in the area of migration in Malta including some focusing on different aspects of integration. The convening of this network provides us with a resource we can rely on for specific expertise.
PARTICIPATION AND EXPERTISE
- The People for Change Foundation is the Maltese representative on the European Integration Forum, including having been rapporteur of specific session on integration on migrants in the labour market.
- The Foundation is the national expert on the Independent Network of Labour Migration and Integration Experts.
- The PfC team has extensive expertise and experience in the field of integration combing a multi-disciplinary approach including legal, social and political dimensions. We also have very good working relationship with various NGOs, Migrant Community Organizations and other stakeholders.
