/library/oar/handle/123456789/945 2025-12-24T11:20:23Z 2025-12-24T11:20:23Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141625 2025-11-25T12:51:22Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Criminalising homelessness? : an analysis of vagrancy, begging and loitering laws in Malta Abstract: This dissertation examines how the Maltese laws of vagrancy, begging and loitering relate to similar international laws that scholars argue disproportionately affect individuals experiencing homelessness. The research purpose was to understand the arguments both supporting and opposing such laws, and to consider how these insights might inform social policy in Malta. A qualitative research design was adopted, in which peer-reviewed academic literature was thematically analysed to identify recurring themes around the criminalisation of homelessness. The analysed articles included discussions on the implications of complaint driven enforcement practices, the barriers to reintegration and support faced by those experiencing homelessness, and the normative justifications for interventions targeting street homelessness. While efforts were made to locate literature outlining the negative consequences of repealing these provisions, no substantive evidence in favour of their retention were identified. This analysis informed the subsequent consideration of vagrancy, begging and loitering laws in Malta, and led to three recommendations: repeal Articles 338(w) and 338(x) of the Criminal Code, phase-out loitering bylaws, and invest in structural supports such as affordable housing and low-threshold services. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141624 2025-11-25T12:45:49Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A comparative study on the access to social protection for migrant workers from outside the EU who are living in Malta or Ireland on the basis of an employment license Abstract: This dissertation analyses the national social protection legislation of Malta and Ireland, focusing specifically on the Social Security Act of Malta, and Ireland’s Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (running consolidation). Access to four welfare benefits is examined: unemployment benefits, pensions, guaranteed minimum resources, and healthcare benefits. The research aims to assess the level of access third-country national (TCN) workers with a single work permit (Malta) or general work permit (Ireland) have to these benefits, and to identify the challenges they face. Additionally, the study aims to analyse specific social protection characteristics in each country, aligning them with Sainsbury’s theoretical welfare regime framework. The research is contextualised in Chapters 1-3, with a brief introduction to each country’s social protection and third-country national migration contexts. A qualitative research approach is adopted, using policy content analysis and descriptive coding to examine the legislative texts, and a cross-national comparative design is applied to address the two-country focus. The findings and analysis reveal that although the legislation states the same eligibility requirements for all applicants, the intersection of social protection legislation, immigration legislation, and administrative procedures, result in TCN workers being disproportionately disadvantaged when trying to access social protection. Additionally, it is highlighted that both countries demonstrate characteristics of the conservative corporatist and liberal welfare regime types. Considering the findings, key recommendations include modifying legislation to ensure clearer eligibility and decision-making processes, increasing training for professionals involved in the social protection system, and providing unemployment benefits and allowing longer timeframes for TCN workers to find new employment. It is also recommended to increase the accessibility of information for TCN workers, and to promote changes aimed at supporting and protecting all workers equally. Overall, the findings highlight the need for accessible and equitable social protection provision, founded on the principle of valuing and supporting all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/129435 2024-11-29T13:19:42Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sexuality education, contraception and abortion care : an analysis of policy documents by supranational institutions and their application in Malta Abstract: This dissertation analyses six policy documents published by supranational institutions aiming to identify their recommendations regarding comprehensive sexuality education, thus giving access to contraception and abortion care, through a pro-choice perspective. Utilising qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis, the documents are examined through a policy advocacy framework. The analysis reveals the importance of accessibility, availability, affordability, accountability and safety for the implementation and provision of sexual and reproductive rights and health services, including the legalisation of abortion care with no restrictions. It is argued that these rights should also be made available to all residents of Malta, no matter their legal or socio-economic status, with no barriers to receiving care such as third-party authorisation, parental/guardian or spousal consent. The dissertation identified that Malta’s sexual health policy and sex education policies are outdated (over 10 years old) and do not reflect recent developments, such as out-of-school education and community involvement. There is also limited access to certain forms of contraception due to conscientious clauses for emergency contraception. Additionally, rates of sexually transmitted infections (HIV and syphilis) are at an all-time high. Abortion care is illegal and criminalised and is only accessible to those who can afford to travel out of the country or use online services with support from various human rights’ activists. The study concludes that Malta requires new, comprehensive policies for all areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights. These policies should combine public health measures with legislation to avoid misinterpretation when delivering care. It recommends developing these new policies through consultations with NGOs and human rights’ activists due to their first-hand experience of addressing gaps in current policies and services. Furthermore, involving youths and community members is crucial to ensure the policies address societal needs. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/129415 2024-11-29T11:20:26Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: How effective are the current labour market policies in attracting women in Malta to employment? : an assessment of three recent measures designed to encourage women to enter the workforce Abstract: This research study aims to discover the extent to which three recently-introduced labour market policies (free childcare, in-work benefit and tapering of benefits) are encouraging women in Malta to work. It will determine whether these benefits have an impact and serving their purpose or whether there are other underlying but crucial factors imposing this need for women to work. The attitudes and perceptions of working women in Malta, while also balancing their caring responsibilities, will also be discussed. The goal of this study is to establish whether these benefits contribute to women entering the public sphere and having a work-life balance, since most of the caring responsibilities for the home and children are still done by women. A qualitative approach was chosen for the methodology of this study and data was collected by conducting interviews from two cohorts: the beneficiaries of these policies and official representatives responsible for managing such benefits. This was done to gather both a subjective and an objective approach to determine the impact of these benefits from two perspectives. The data was then analysed using thematic analysis and among the themes emerged were assisting mothers, work-life balance, the working mother, and the aftermath of benefits. This study and its findings seek to contribute to the existing gap in research since current data is limited, even though these benefits have been introduced for a decade. However, the subject is still relatively new and such findings, especially the responses collected from the beneficiaries may help provide a clearer picture for the main entities responsible for the management of these benefits regarding any improvements that could be done to the benefits or other initiatives to ensure a better service and assistance to women to achieve their work-life balance and contribute to the workforce. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z