Racial discrimination remains a challenge worldwide, and Malta is no exception. People of African descent continue to face significant barriers in employment, housing, education and daily life.
Findings from the Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey (EU-MIDIS II), conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) between 2015 and 2016, show a concerning picture regarding the experiences of two minority groups in Malta: individuals of African descent and Muslims.
The data reveals that one-third of immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa in Malta experienced discrimination based on skin colour. Additionally, 37% of Muslim respondents in Malta experienced discrimination based on ethnic or immigrant background in the twelve months before the survey. These experiences extend into key areas of life, particularly in employment and housing. 64% of respondents of African descent in Malta  reported being unemployed, while 30% faced discrimination during job applications and 23% encountered workplace discrimination. Despite having professional qualifications, many Black individuals struggle to secure jobs that match their expertise and are often assigned to low-skilled roles.
Housing discrimination is also a major issue, with 23% of black respondents in Malta stating that they were denied accommodation by private landlords due to their race or ethnicity. The situation is worsened by overcrowding, as  84% of respondents live in overcrowded conditions, compared to just 3% of the general Maltese population. These systemic inequalities continue to perpetuate economic and social exclusion, making it difficult for migrants to live in Malta.
Recognising the urgent need to understand these struggles, the ‘Strengthening Knowledge on Integration and Non-Discrimination‘ (SKIN) project, co-funded by the EU and led by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) in partnership with the aditus foundation, sought to identify the needs of and discrimination faced by migrants and Muslims through research, training, and awareness-raising initiatives.
Through the SKIN project a set of focus groups with persons of African descent and with Muslims living in Malta were organised to gather first-hand experiences from migrants. These discussions highlighted several key challenges.
Participants were generally eager and proud to share stories about the friendships and socially meaningful relationships they had established to different extents. However, many also acknowledged that building a sense of belonging to Maltese society was often difficult. Those most affected by exclusion were individuals with visible markers of difference – such as darker skin or religious attire, particularly by Muslim women.
Â
While some migrants reported positive experiences in the workplace, discrimination remains widespread. These experiences ranged from difficulties in securing employment – especially work that matched their skills or qualifications – to being treated unfairly once employed, such as being repeatedly assigned tasks on the basis of racial/ethnic stereotypes, denied formal work contracts, exposed to health and safety risks, or not being paid fairly for their work. Â
Participants described how socio-economic barriers made it difficult to pursue further education, and a lack of cultural and religious understanding within educational institutions often contributed to feelings of exclusion and discrimination. Moreover, in both employment and education, women faced additional obstacles due to their disproportionate responsibility for childcare.
In relation to accommodation, while some participants reported positive relationships with landlords, many described housing as one of the most challenging aspects of life in Malta. These challenges included difficulty securing accommodation due to explicit discrimination by landlords or estate agents based on ethnicity or religion, as well as negative experiences as tenants.
Â
Healthcare was another essential service frequently discussed. While some participants expressed appreciation for the care they received, many felt that their identities as people of African descent and/or Muslims negatively affected the quality of service.
Many migrants do not report discrimination due to fear of retaliation, or lack of trust in authorities. Many participants also internalised and rationalised their experiences of discrimination, viewing them as normal or unremarkable, and therefore not worth reporting. Overall, the decision to report was closely tied to the severity of the incident.
The SKIN project sought to disseminate further information on racial equality through training sessions with trade unions, government agencies, and civil society organisations. Additional training sessions were held for people of African descent and Muslims, equipping them with knowledge of their rights and tools to challenge discrimination. With the support of various interpreters, these sessions were widely appreciated, with participants expressing greater empowerment to report discrimination.
Racism and discrimination have no place in a just society. Greater efforts are needed to encourage reporting, strengthen anti-discrimination laws, and promote equal opportunities. The NCPE remains committed to raising awareness on racial discrimination. Through education and policies, Malta can work towards a more inclusive society where diversity is embraced, and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) can be contacted on: 2276 8200, [email protected] or NCPE’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn – NCPE.Malta)Â