In its official feedback to the Government's Labour Migration Policy consultation document, the Malta Sociological Association emphasised the need to to mainstream social impact assessments and to embed sociological research in the policy making process. This would advance evidence-based policy making.
The feedback submitted by the Malta Sociological Association to the Government states:
The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Labour Migration Policy consultation document. As an organisation committed to advancing sociological research and fostering evidence-based policymaking, we emphasise the necessity of integrating a robust social impact assessment (SIA) framework within the policy.
Mainstreaming Social Impact Assessments (SIA) in Labour Migration Policy
Labour migration has profound social, economic, and cultural implications for both migrants and host communities. While economic considerations often take centre stage in migration policymaking, it is equally critical to assess the broader social dimensions. To this end, we recommend that the policy framework explicitly mandates Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) as a standard practice throughout the policy cycle.
This would ensure that:
- Policy formulation is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the social effects of labour migration on key areas such as community cohesion, housing, education, healthcare, and social integration.
- Implementation and monitoring include ongoing sociological research that tracks how migration policies impact both migrant workers and Maltese society over time.
- Adjustments and revisions to the policy are evidence-based, ensuring that unintended negative consequences—such as social fragmentation, exploitation, or marginalisation—are identified early and addressed effectively.
Embedding Sociological Research in Policy Design and Evaluation
To strengthen policy effectiveness and societal cohesion, MSA also advocates for a systematic incorporation of sociological research in labour migration policymaking.
This includes:
- Pre-policy research: Conducting sociological studies to map existing migration trends, understand public attitudes, and assess sectoral labour needs beyond economic metrics.
- Continuous evaluation: Establishing research-driven mechanisms to monitor social integration, discrimination, workplace conditions, and the well-being of migrant communities.
- Community engagement: Ensuring that policy development involves consultations with diverse stakeholders, including civil society organisations, experts, migrant communities, and local residents, to promote a more inclusive and participatory approach.
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