{"id":15183,"date":"2025-10-23T11:57:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T11:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.migpolgroup.com\/?p=15183"},"modified":"2025-10-24T13:50:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T13:50:41","slug":"connact-study-visit-on-migrant-integration-imalta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.migpolgroup.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/23\/connact-study-visit-on-migrant-integration-imalta\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Inclusive Communities: ConnACT Delegation Learns from Malta\u2019s Integration Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column]
\"\"<\/div><\/figure>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]
<\/div>[vc_column_text]As the final phase of study visits under the ConnACT \u2013 Connecting through Adult Community Training<\/strong> project, MPG\u2019s Alexander Wolffhardt<\/strong> and Mojib Atal<\/strong> travelled to Malta<\/strong> together with representatives from the Emilia-Romagna Region<\/strong> (Italy) and ELY-keskus \u2013 the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment<\/strong> (Finland).<\/p>\n

The delegation was welcomed by the Human Rights Directorate (HRD)<\/strong>, operating under the Office of the Prime Minister – Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue<\/strong>. The programme included in-depth presentations and discussions with HRD, Identit\u00e0<\/strong>, Jobsplus<\/strong>, the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER)<\/strong>, and the Institute of Tourism Studies<\/a> (ITS)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The HRD leads Malta\u2019s work on civil liberties, equality, non-discrimination, and migrant integration<\/strong>. Within it, the Integration and Anti-Racism Unit<\/strong>, established in 2018, is responsible for implementing integration strategies, processing integration requests, coordinating anti-racism measures, and monitoring migrants\u2019 progress.<\/p>\n

The ConnACT project\u2019s objectives align closely with Policy Goal 3, Measure 13<\/strong> of Malta\u2019s Integration Strategy and Action Plan (2025\u20132030)<\/strong>, which aims to identify integration needs and share good practices from national and international contexts. Discussions also highlighted the I Belong Programme<\/strong> – a key component of Malta\u2019s Migrant Integration Strategy & Action Plan (Vision 2020)<\/strong> – which offers free Maltese and English language and cultural orientation courses in partnership with MCAST<\/strong> and the University of Malta<\/strong>. These initiatives support integration by strengthening linguistic skills and civic knowledge.<\/p>\n

Further exchanges took place with Identit\u00e0<\/strong>, which manages passports, visas, and residence permits; Jobsplus<\/strong>, Malta\u2019s public employment service; and DIER<\/strong>, which promotes fair employment relations and social dialogue.<\/p>\n

At the Institute of Tourism Studies<\/strong>, the delegation received a presentation on the Skills Pass<\/strong> procedure. This system is required for Single Permit applicants<\/strong> in the tourism and hospitality sector. Applicants abroad must complete Phase 1<\/strong> before applying through Identit\u00e0, and Phase 2<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The group also visited the International Learners Directorate<\/strong><\/a>, meeting members of the Community Liaison Team<\/strong>, who act as mediators between migrant families and schools, promoting inclusive and culturally responsive education.<\/p>\n

Meetings were also held with several civil society organisations<\/strong> active in migrant integration, including the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malta<\/strong>, Aditus Foundation<\/strong>, \u0126al Far Outreach<\/strong><\/a>, and the Migrant Women Association Malta<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n