I Belong Programme


The Intercultural and Anti-Racism Unit is Malta’s entry point to migrant integration. The Unit seeks to assist all persons of migrant background residing in Malta on their individual path to integration.

As part of the Migrant Integration Strategy & Action Plan (Vision 2020), the 'I Belong​’ Programme aims to provide a holistic approach to integration. The first step in this direction would be through the knowledge of the country’s official languages and cultural awareness.

Together with MCAST and University of Malta, the Intercultural and Anti-Racism Unit offers Maltese and English language and Cultural Orientation courses at two stages. 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. All courses are free of charge​ unless they may be subject to payment to repeat the course.





What is included in the Stages?

The courses are offered in two stages:

- Stage 1: Pre-Integration Certificate with a total of 60 hours,
- Stage 2: Integration Certificate with a total of 170 hours

Stage 1: Pre-Integration Certificate

Stage 1 consists of the following courses to be delivered by MCAST in Mosta or Paola:

1. Maltese language for integration (MQF Level 1) - 20 hours
2. English language for integration (MQF Level 1) - 20 hours
3. Cultural orientation* (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours

Each course requires 80% attendance and 50% pass mark in order to receive a certificate.

After receiving the Stage 1 certificate, applicants may progress to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Integration Certificate

Stage 2, which is one of the requirements for Long-Term Residence Status for Third Country Nationals, contains the following courses delivered by the University of Malta and by MCAST:

1. Maltese language for integration (MQF Level 2) - 50 hours
2. Cultural orientation (MQF Level 2) - 120 hours

A 65% pass mark is required to receive the Maltese Language for Integration. 80% attendance and 75% pass mark is required in order to receive the Cultural Orientation Certificate.

Applicants will be awarded a certificate upon successful completion of the courses.

Supple​ment​ar​y Co​urses: Foundation Courses

Recognising the need for literacy courses in English and Maltese, HRD has partnered up with Lifelong Learning to provide foundation courses in English and Maltese. The courses are not officially part of the ‘I Belong’ Programme, however they are set up in a way to facilitate access to the programme by providing the necessary language skills. 

The courses are being held at Msi​da and Mriehel. Each Skill Kit is of a total of 28 hours. The courses are provided free of charge to students unless they may be subject to payment to repeat the course. 

WHAT IS The Process?

1. Submit Application Stage

You can apply for the ‘I Belong Courses’ by visiting us at our offices in Paola or via online application form.

     

2. Registration of Integration Application Form

The Integration Officers will confirm the receipt of your Application Form and will inform you of your File Number.

3. Integration Request Meeting

HRD will contact you for a one-to-one meeting, which can be conducted at the office or online, to draw up your Personal Integration Plan.​

4. Implementation of Personal Integration Plan

The Personal Integration Plan can include:​

​- Attendance of Stage 1 Courses
- Continuation to Stage 2 Courses
- Attendance of Literacy courses in English and/or Maltese
- Specialised assistance

5. Way Forward

After receiving the Stage 1 Pre-Integration Certificate you can register for the Stage 2 Integration Certificate. Successful completion of the Stage 1 Pre-Integration Certificate counts as one of the requestions for the Specific Residence Authorisation (SRA) in Malta

Successful completion of the Stage 2 Integration Certificate counts as one of the requirements for Long-Term Status (LTR) in Malta.


If you require any further assistance from the Intercultural and Anti-Racism Unit, feel free to contact us here​- This project is part-financed by the European Union - Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020. Responsible Authority eufunds.gov.mt​.​