Building Inclusive Communities: ConnACT Delegation Learns from Malta’s Integration Experience

As the final phase of study visits under the ConnACT – Connecting through Adult Community Training project, MPG’s Alexander Wolffhardt and Mojib Atal travelled to Malta together with representatives from the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) and ELY-keskus – the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (Finland).

The delegation was welcomed by the Human Rights Directorate (HRD), operating under the Office of the Prime Minister – Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue. The programme included in-depth presentations and discussions with HRD, Identità, Jobsplus, the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER), and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS).

The HRD leads Malta’s work on civil liberties, equality, non-discrimination, and migrant integration. Within it, the Integration and Anti-Racism Unit, established in 2018, is responsible for implementing integration strategies, processing integration requests, coordinating anti-racism measures, and monitoring migrants’ progress.

The ConnACT project’s objectives align closely with Policy Goal 3, Measure 13 of Malta’s Integration Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030), which aims to identify integration needs and share good practices from national and international contexts. Discussions also highlighted the I Belong Programme – a key component of Malta’s Migrant Integration Strategy & Action Plan (Vision 2020) – which offers free Maltese and English language and cultural orientation courses in partnership with MCAST and the University of Malta. These initiatives support integration by strengthening linguistic skills and civic knowledge.

Further exchanges took place with Identità, which manages passports, visas, and residence permits; Jobsplus, Malta’s public employment service; and DIER, which promotes fair employment relations and social dialogue.

At the Institute of Tourism Studies, the delegation received a presentation on the Skills Pass procedure. This system is required for Single Permit applicants in the tourism and hospitality sector. Applicants abroad must complete Phase 1 before applying through Identità, and Phase 2 after receiving the Approval in Principle letter. New applicants submit the Skills Pass with their application, while those changing jobs or roles in the sector provide it during the process.

The group also visited the International Learners Directorate, meeting members of the Community Liaison Team, who act as mediators between migrant families and schools, promoting inclusive and culturally responsive education.

Meetings were also held with several civil society organisations active in migrant integration, including the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malta, Aditus Foundation, Ħal Far Outreach, and the Migrant Women Association Malta.

• JRS provides legal, social, and psychological support, as well as education and integration services.
• Aditus advocates for human rights and access to justice while coordinating the Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta (PHROM).
• Ħal Far Outreach promotes community empowerment.
• The Migrant Women Association Malta supports women’s empowerment through initiatives such as the SAĦĦA Community Kitchen, which tackles barriers to entrepreneurship.

Together, these organisations play a crucial role in promoting migrants’ protection, empowerment, and social inclusion in Malta.

The visit concluded with a consortium meeting and workshop, reflecting on key lessons learned and identifying practical approaches for developing the ACT Toolbox – a resource designed to showcase innovative methods for implementing adult community training within national integration frameworks.