Abstract:
This thesis studies whether contact between the Maltese and the Sub-Saharan African
migrants in Malta leads to positive or negative relations between the two groups. It analyses
the main features of the contact and problems encountered, and how this is impacted by
the categorization of the ‘Other,’ perception of threat and policies and institutions.
Moreover, the intergroup contact in the localities of Balzan and Marsa that are both home
to an Open centre for migrants, were compared and contrasted. Literature concerning
theories on social identity, threat perception and intergroup contact where reviewed. The
study was conducted by means of 38 in-depth interviews with Maltese from the Balzan and
Marsa residential areas, 18 with resident migrants in the Open centres and two former
residents of the Open Centres who are now living in the community. Recommendations
were made for the betterment of the intergroup contact experience between the Maltese
and the Sub-Saharan African migrants in Malta.
