ABSTRACT

The new millennium brought with it two major changes in Malta which have undoubtedly affected present and future developments in Maltese society. The combination of overpopulation and unemployment in Malta has, during particular historical phases, resulted in the emigration of thousands of Maltese. The fact that immigration is a relatively recent phenomenon in the Maltese context is reflected by the lack of detailed statistics on the issue. Considering the relatively small scale of immigration in Malta, it is not surprising that immigrants' participation in public life in Malta is mostly limited to ethnic associations and self-help groups. The political rhetoric on immigration is largely based on the consideration that Malta is a small, densely populated country that cannot cope with the influx of immigrants. This is a key point that influences both the public debate and the development of policies which consequently focus mostly on border control.