A sense of belonging is essential for everyone, particularly at a time when the identity we once knew has changed irreversibly. Many people feel unsettled by today’s realities, as nations grow increasingly cosmopolitan and diverse communities share the same space. Malta is no exception. Our small size makes these changes feel even more rapid and pronounced, as we catch up with experiences other countries have long faced. But must we simply accept this reality without question? Is there truly nothing we can do to influence or shape the path ahead?
Let us begin with a common argument: that the Maltese are somehow under threat because of the number of immigrants coming to the country. From there, we can examine whether any action is genuinely necessary, and if so, what can realistically be done.
First, it must be recognised that speaking of a “Maltese race” is nonsense. What unites us as a nation is our shared culture, not imagined racial purity. Our ancestors came from many places, and Malta’s identity has long been shaped by the movement of peoples across the Mediterranean. As a seafaring island, Malta has constantly interacted with and absorbed different communities. Under the Knights of St John, the island hosted knights from across Europe, each with their own commandery, bringing a steady flow of foreigners to our shores. From Africa, Spain, and Sicily to Britain during the colonial period, Maltese identity is the product of many peoples and cultures blending over centuries into a single, distinctive whole.
Malta, particularly the port areas, was already cosmopolitan during the time of the Order, and this diversity never harmed society. Some argue that these foreigners were Christians like us, but that is not entirely accurate. Slaves from various parts of the world lived in Malta, integrated with the population, raised families, and, once slavery was abolished under the French, became Maltese themselves. They adopted the language, customs, and daily rhythms of life, blending seamlessly into the national fabric over generations.
So what makes today different from the past? Why does the arrival of third-country nationals unsettle so many people? The answer is clear. In earlier times, newcomers arrived for very different reasons, the islands were far less populated, and integration into the existing social fabric was easier. Travel then took months under perilous conditions at sea, meaning those who arrived tended to stay permanently and gradually became part of the wider community.
Today, most foreigners who come to Malta stay only two or three years, bringing little of their own culture and contributing minimally to our cultural heritage. While some settle permanently, the majority form part of a revolving-door system: they arrive, remain for a short period, then leave, replaced by others. The long-standing, stable communities of the past have largely disappeared. Numbers continue to rise, leading to overpopulation and a decline in civic pride. Many come simply to earn money, contribute to the economy, and move on, eroding the sense of a connected, enduring community.
The growing population in an already densely populated country has placed significant strain on Malta’s environment. Weak infrastructure has compounded the problem, particularly in areas such as traffic management, healthcare, and waste disposal. Limited space has led to overcrowding, poor air quality, and a general decline in living conditions. As a result, business interests increasingly take precedence over community life, with the wellbeing of residents often treated as secondary. Economic
growth has become the primary focus, even when it comes at the expense of quality of life. Indeed, an economy can expand too quickly and become too large for a country the size of Malta to manage effectively.
In conclusion, Malta’s identity has always been shaped by the blending of diverse peoples and cultures. While history shows that integration was once a natural and lasting process, today’s patterns of short-term migration, rapid population growth, and limited space present challenges that cannot be ignored. A sense of belonging, community, and civic pride is vital for the wellbeing of our society. It is not a question of rejecting newcomers, but of managing change thoughtfully, ensuring that Malta remains a place where culture, environment, and human connection are preserved alongside economic growth. By striking this balance, we can safeguard the qualities that make Malta unique, while embracing the opportunities that a diverse and dynamic society can offer.
