Factsheet for measure
MT-2025-5/3814
– measures in Malta
Integration Strategy and Action Plan
Background information
Malta’s first integration strategy, launched in 2018, marked a significant step forward in creating the necessary structures to support the integration of migrants. This included the establishment of a dedicated Integration Unit within the Human Rights Directorate and the introduction of the national integration programme "I Belong", both of which laid the groundwork for a more coordinated national approach.
Building on this foundation, the new Integration Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 has been introduced to respond to Malta’s evolving social landscape. According to the 2023 census, foreign nationals now make up 22.2% of the population, the majority being economic migrants who play a vital role in the country’s development. This demographic shift underscores the need for a renewed and more comprehensive strategy to promote social cohesion and inclusivity within Malta’s increasingly multicultural society.
Content of measure
The Integration Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 outlines six strategic goals aimed at fostering a cohesive and inclusive society in Malta, where diversity is celebrated, and every individual, regardless of background, can fully participate, contribute meaningfully, and thrive.
1. Stronger Legal and Institutional Support: This goal focuses on reviewing national laws, establishing an Integration Scientific Committee, and formalising collaborations between government agencies and NGOs. Among the key proposals are increasing the amount of time granted to third-country-nationals (TCNs) following the termination of employment to remain in Malta to seek new employment to 30 days, which can be further extended to 60 days if financial means can be proved.
2. Strengthening Integration-Related Government Services: Aims to enhance government services by improving data-sharing systems and establishing the Human Rights Directorate as the National Integration Support Centre (NISC), offering a comprehensive, digitalised, and accessible one-stop-shop for essential services.
3. Expanded Integration Programmes: Plans to restructure the "I Belong" programme to include multiple stages, and diverse delivery methods. It also introduces obligatory pre-departure integration measures to inform labour migrants about their rights, duties, and cultural norms in Malta before arriving. Under this framework, Identità will only issue an approval in principle after a TCN provides documented evidence of completing the mandatory integration courses.
4. Improved Well-being of Migrants Through Enhanced Service Provision: Focuses on enhancing migrants' living conditions by improving documentation processes, education support, housing regulations, healthcare access, and fair employment measures. Strengthened legislation and information accessibility are also emphasised, as are upskilling and skill matching.
5. Inclusive Communities and Strengthening of Local Councils’ Role: Aims to empower local councils, support migrant-led initiatives, and enhance socio-cultural engagement. It promotes community participation, social dialogue, and outreach services.
6. Promoting Mutual Understanding Through Awareness-Raising Initiatives: Involves implementing a national communication strategy to raise awareness on integration-related topics, supported by media representation and accessibility improvements. Regular monitoring and alignment with international standards are planned to ensure effectiveness.
The plan also includes an action plan by which these six goals will be achieved.
Use of measure
No assessment yet.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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National funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Unknown
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
The policy document states that, 'This Strategy builds upon a foundation of collaboration and consultation, drawing insights from diverse stakeholders — NGOs, local councils, international partners, and the community at large.' It is also stated that an extensive public consultation was carried out prior to the document's publication, in June 2023.
Views and reactions
Views and reactions of social partners specific to the publication of this document were not identified. It should be noted that consultation preceded the publication of the document, including via a public consultation exercise, however, the submissions received were not published. Furthermore, any social partners that may have participated in this exercise do not appear to have made their submission public.
Sources
