Poverty and social exclusion ‘unavoidable reality for asylum seekers’ – JRS report

JRS Malta, together with aditus Foundation, has just launched an investigation report which looks into asylum seekers’ battle against poverty. The investigation report, titled ‘In Pursuit of Livelihood: An In-depth investigation of Asylum Seeker’s battle against Poverty and Social Exclusion in Malta’, aims to assess the extent of poverty hardship, deprivation and social exclusion among this population, particularly when compared with that of the general Maltese population.

Two interlinked publications were launched during the event; A detailed investigation and a document with narratives of persons interviewed, was formally launched on Wednesday during an event at the Aula Prima, at the Valletta University Campus.

In her introduction, JRS Malta director Dr Katrine Camilleri said that with the current situation, poverty and social exclusion for asylum seekers are an unavoidable reality, and not simply a risk.

“We need to create a society that is more just, where everyone belongs, and everyone’s rights can be respected,” Dr Camilleri said adding that, hopefully, this study is a step towards making this dream a reality.

Christian Inkum, from YMCA, spoke about the challenges faced by homeless or financially struggling asylum seekers in Malta, highlighting issues which emerge from the moment they arrive in Malta. He said that if refugees are made to feel they belong here, they will be willing to invest in the country.

A panel discussion, featuring Dr Carla Camilleri, from aditus Foundation and Mark Cachia from the Justice and Peace Commission was held during the event. The discussion was moderated by Dr Daniela DeBono.

The findings

The report, penned by Dr Julian Caruana and Dr Alexia Rossi, found that the steep rise in the cost of living, rent prices and stagnant wages are the main contributing factors to poverty among asylum seekers in Malta.

The investigation also found that most asylum seekers, due to a mix of poor English or Maltese, basic levels of education, racial discrimination and low transferability of job-related skills and competencies, are restricted to a very limited section of the employment market.

“At best, participants could aim for jobs slightly above the minimum wage, with no or little chances of progression. In this regard, in Malta’s current economic climate, the best they can aim for may still not be enough to lift them out of poverty, especially if they need to support a family,” states the report.

Research data indicated that asylum seekers face poverty and social exclusion from the very start of their life in Malta. The interviews which were conducted for this research, painted a picture of a reception system that fails to act as a stepping stone towards self-sufficiency due to the absence of a language and/ or vocational programme that is intrinsically linked to the reception stage and the meagre per diem allowance. Participants left the open centre with the same deficiencies in skills, competencies, savings and job prospects they had when they entered.

“Constrained by these extrinsic factors, asylum seekers struggle to make ends meet and fulfil the most basic of needs including food, clothing and shelter. In this struggle they receive some support from NGOs, government welfare agencies and informal support networks they would have developed, including migrant communities and sometimes Maltese friends, neighbours or acquaintances. Whilst these forms of support have limited resources to offer, as emphasised by both asylum seekers and service providers, they do serve as a lifeline in times of crisis,” the report found.

The report concludes with THREE main recommendations:

• Urge the government to revise regulations on access to public positions that prevent refugees from ever holding such positions. Malta’s public service remains the almost exclusive domain of Maltese nationals, whilst nationals of other EU member States and third-country national holders of Long-Term Residence are also eligible to apply. Opening public employment to refugees would send a nation-wide message that Government trusts refugees to be part of its machinery and that – consequently – all other sectors should follow suit.
• We strongly urge the government to tackle racism in a firm manner, as national efforts have so far been weak, invisible and half-hearted. Our interviews confirmed the challenges faced by refugees to secure a job, fair working conditions and deserved promotions, often based on the underlying sentiment that refugees are undeserving of humane and just treatment.
• We believe refugees should be given the right to vote and stand at national elections, constituting a core step towards their true belonging. After more than twenty years of Malta offering protection to and hosting refugees, the time is ripe for Government to fully embrace their integration by elevating their position in Maltese society as objects of political discourse to subjects of political activity.