GENERAL QUESTIONS ON INTEGRATION
Q1. What is the purpose of ‘I Belong’ programme?
The ‘I
Belong’ programme aims to
facilitate integration. Integration is a complex process that requires multiple
steps, as well as a strong sense of commitment. Given that integration takes
place within a community, it is key to take the initiative to start feeling
part of the local community and society.
Q2. How can the ‘I Belong’ programme and the
Intercultural and Anti-Racism Unit help me integrate in Malta?
The Intercultural and Anti-Racism Unit’s (IARU) services
assist individuals wishing to integrate into the Maltese society primarily
through Maltese and English language courses, as well as Cultural Orientation
courses. The language courses focus on daily use to facilitate a person’s
integration into society. The cultural
orientation covers the social, cultural, economic, and historical aspects of
Malta and the constitution, law and democratic values. Through the Stage 2
courses, the IARU helps migrants to fulfil the integration criteria established
by Identity Malta to acquire a long-term residence permit.
The IARU also offers ‘I Belong’
Foundation courses in English Literacy (20 hours), Maltese Literacy (20 hours),
and Digital Literacy (10 hours) should clients need
further assistance and attention in achieving a basic level of literacy.
Q3. Do I have
to submit an integration request?
Yes, an
integration request must be submitted by filling in this form.
Q4. Can
everyone – regardless of status or country of origin – apply for the
courses?
All adult migrants may
apply for the courses in Stage 1 and 2. Priority for Stage 2 is given to
persons who intend to lodge an application for a long-term residence status
with Identity Malta.
Q5. Must I
reside in Malta to benefit from this course?
Yes, applicants must be in possession of a valid
residence permit and intend on staying in Malta long term.
Q6. What do I
need to do to get a long-term residence permit?
A number of criteria
to achieve the long-term residence permit have been set up by the Expatriates
Unit at Identity Malta. It is best to contact them for more information on:
Email: noneu.ima@gov.mt
Website:
https://www.identitymalta.com/unit/expatriates-unit/
Q7. How long would it take to finish the Stage 1 & 2 courses?
Stage 1 consists of 20 hours of Maltese language
courses, 20 hours of English Language courses, and 20 hours of Cultural
Orientation courses. Stage 1 classes are two-and-a-half hours long, given once
per week. Completion of Stage 1 should take a minimum of 8 weeks.
Stage 2 consists of 120 hours of Cultural Orientation
courses (around 50 weeks/1 year) and 50 hours Maltese Language courses (minimum
25 weeks/6 months).
Stage 1 and 2 participants may opt to attend more than
one subject per week, depending on availability.
The time to complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 is dependent
upon how many classes will be held per week.
Q8. Is it true
that if I attend and successfully complete both stages, I would be given a Long-Term
Residence permit?
No. Attending and successfully completing both stages
would only fulfil one of the criteria needed to attain a Long-Term Residence
permit, namely ‘evidence of integration measures.’
Q9. What other
benefits would I get if I complete the courses?
Knowledge of Maltese and English languages as well as
awareness of central aspects of life in Malta are key components of successful
integration. The Programme also provides a platform to socialise and build new
friendships.
Q10. Can I
still apply if I don’t know how to read and write?
Yes. In this case, client will attend the required
Foundation Courses prior to participating in I Belong courses.
COURSES INFORMATION – STAGE
1
Q11. When are
the lessons going to start?
Applicants will be notified (average) three weeks
before starting date.
Q12. Where are
the lessons going to be held?
Lessons are held either Online, MCAST Paola, or MCAST Mosta. Clients may state their
preference during Integration Request Meeting.
Q13. What time
are lessons held?
Monday – Friday: 17:00-19:30
Saturday: 08:30-11:00
11:30-14:00
Client’s availability will be confirmed during the
Integration Request Meeting.
Q14. How many
times per week will I have classes?
Classes are held once a week for a period of eight
weeks, per skill kit.
Total number of classes: 8
Times per week: 1
Total period of course: 8 weeks
Q15. I work in
the morning. Can I attend a Stage 1 courses in the evening?
The date, time and location of the classes will be
discussed during the Integration Request Meeting.
Q16.
If I already have a Maltese Language MQF Level 1 certificate, would I still
need to participate in Stage 1 Maltese language?
No, clients who present an MQF Level 1
certificate in Maltese Language are exempt from doing I Belong Stage 1 Maltese
Language.
Q17.
If I am proficient in the English Language, would I still need to participate
in Stage 1 English Language?
No. Client’s language skills will be
evaluated during the Integration Request Meeting. A Personal Integration Plan
will be mapped accordingly.
Q18. Do I need
to pay for the courses?
No, courses are free of charge. However, if applicants
drop-out without a valid reason or do not pass the assessment, applicants may
be asked to pay the course fees if they wish to recommence the course.
Q19. What
happens after I submit my application?
The IARU offices
will get in touch to schedule a one-to-one Integration Request Meeting. This
meeting may be held on WhatsApp or in person.
COURSE INFORMATION - STAGE 2
Q20. When can I submit my Stage 2 application?
Application for
Stage 2 may be submitted immediately upon successful competition of Stage 1. To
apply, please submit this form.
Q21. Is a
Pre-Integration Stage 1 Certificate a prerequisite for Stage 2?
Yes, a Pre-Integration Certificate granted upon
completion of the Stage 1 courses is required to enrol in Stage 2.
Q22. What does
the course assessment consist of for Stage 2?
For Stage 2 the Cultural Orientation Course will be
assessed through participation and attendance and a small spoken project at the
end (75% pass mark). The Maltese for Integration language course is assessed on
class participation and an exam (65% pass mark). The applicants will be tested
on an appropriate level of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in the
exam.
Q23. If I
already have both a Maltese MQF Level 2 certificate with a pass mark of at
least 65%, and a course of at least 100 hours in Maltese cultural orientation,
would I still need to participate in Stage 2? What would be the next step to
get my Long-Term Residence permit?
It is only necessary for applicants for Long-Term
Residence who have not already achieved a 65 % pass mark in MQF Level 2
Maltese, to participate in the Maltese course in Stage 2.
As for the cultural orientation component, only the
cultural orientation course of Stage 2 of the 'I Belong' programme will be
valid to satisfy the Long-Term Residence requirements on integration, besides
the Maltese language component.
Q24. How long
(in average) will it be before certificate of Stage 2 is issued in view of Long-Term
Residence permit?
Certificates are issued almost immediately.
Q25. For how long are Stage 2 certificates valid?
Stage
2 certificates are valid for LTRP application for a period of 1 year.
Applicants are encouraged to consider this when applying for Stage 2
CONTACT INFORMATION
Q26. If I have other questions, who can I
contact?
For further inquiries, contact Human Rights
Directorate Reception on 22263210 or visit our office.
Please provide the mobile number used for applying
when contacting the Human Rights Directorate.
Opening times:
Winter hours:
Monday – Friday from 07:00 -16:00.
Summer hours:
Monday – Friday from 07:00 - 13:00.
Address:
Human Rights Directorate, A3 Tower, Level O, Triq
L Arkata, Paola
Email:
ibelongcourses@gov.mt
