Maltese Less Likely To Help Syrian Or Somalian Refugee Over Ukrainians

Oct 16 2023

A study by the Open University indicates that Maltese respondents exhibit a greater willingness to assist refugees from Ukraine compared to those from Syria or Somalia. The research unveils heightened negative emotions towards non-European refugees, fostering prejudice and diminishing the inclination to help them.

Sharon Xuereb, a staff tutor in psychology and counselling at the Open University, explains that Ukrainians receive more positive perceptions due to prevailing political discourse and their legal refugee status in Europe.

In contrast, asylum seekers from other countries face limited legal options, potentially resorting to illegal routes, which impacts public perception.

The study involved 287 participants in Malta and the UK, focusing on perceived threat, prejudice, emotions, and attitudes towards helping asylum seekers from Ukraine, Syria, and Somalia.

Results indicate that European adults exhibit less positivity towards asylum seekers who are culturally distant and non-white.

Compared to the UK, Maltese participants expressed higher levels of negative emotions (Malta: 11.92 out of 56, UK: 10.50), perceived threat (Malta: 13.57 out of 42, UK: 11.85), and prejudice (Malta: 19.24 out of 56, UK: 15.48).

Examining the Maltese scores, it was found that in terms of ‘negative emotions’, Maltese respondents scored an average of 10.09 out of 56 points towards Ukrainians. This score increased to 12.57 for Syrians and 13.24 for Somalis. Regarding ‘perceived threat’ measured on a 42-point scale, the average score for Ukrainians was 12.44, while for Syrians it was 14.62, and for Somalis, it was 13.75.

Maltese participants reported higher levels of negative emotions, perceived threat, and prejudice compared to their UK counterparts. The study reveals a preference for white European asylum seekers and suggests that less familiar cultures and religious differences may be perceived as more threatening.

Perceived threat and negative emotions were found to correlate with higher prejudice, resulting in reduced willingness to help. Conversely, positive emotions led to lower prejudice and a greater willingness to offer assistance.

Check out the full study here.

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CPD Rescue Horse Who Tripped Over Wall And Prickly Bush

Oct 16 2023

Over the weekend, Civil Protection Malta rescuers from Ħal Far and USAR Fire Stations were deployed on another horse rescue, this time in Santa Venera.

The mare reportedly broke out of her paddock and tripped over a rubble wall and prickly pear bush.

‘She was carefully lifted out of the tight spot using a care’, the department explained. The horse needed treatment for her injuries and removal of prickly thorns and is now safe and recovering well.

Well done to all involved!

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Full Time Employment Up by 8% In May 2023

Oct 16 2023

In May 2023, registered full-time employment saw an 8.0% increase, while part-time employment as a primary job rose by 3.9% compared to May 2022.

Over the year, labor supply (excluding part-timers) grew by 8.0% to reach 270,590, primarily due to a surge in full-time registered employment (20,029) and a decrease in registered unemployment (45).

Administrative and support service activities (NACE 77-82) and Accommodation and food service activities (NACE 55-56) were the main contributors to the employment increase in May 2023 compared to May 2022.

In the private sector, registered full-time employment rose by 19,919 to 218,445, while in the public sector, it increased by 110 to 51,229. The number of full-time self-employed individuals increased by 708, and the number of employees rose by 19,321 compared to May 2022. Full-time employment increased by 8.4% for males and 7.4% for females over 2022 levels.

Registered part-time employment in May 2023 rose by 7.4% compared to the same month in 2022. The sectors of Professional, scientific and technical activities (NACE 69-75) and Transportation and storage sector (NACE 49-53) were the primary contributors to this increase.

The number of part-timers also holding a full-time job increased to 40,281, up by 10.4% compared to May 2022. Additionally, employed persons whose part-time job was their primary occupation totaled 33,528, reflecting a 3.9% increase from the same month in 2022.

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President George Vella Meets Maltese Community In Adelaide

Oct 16 2023

President George Vella encouraged the Maltese community in Australia, now in its third and fourth generation, to remain active so that Maltese customs and traditions are not lost over time.

During an event organised by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison, in Adelaide in the state of South Australia, President Vella said that the Maltese communities abroad are part of our extended family. They are part of Malta and Gozo. He stated that he feels it is his duty to meet and keep in touch with them.

President Vella observed that while there is a smaller number of Maltese in this state than in other Australian states, he is impressed that there are at least seven associations and other entities assisting the Maltese community or organising activities with the aim of keeping Maltese traditions alive. “This is an excellent example of how, while being fully integrated in Australian life, through your professions, families and hobbies, you have kept the characteristics that make you Maltese and Gozitans in your heart”, added the President.

The President said that during his last meeting with the Council for Maltese Living Abroad, last month, he could note that Australia’s representatives on this Council were and still are among the most active and enthusiastic to safeguard the interests of the Maltese community in Australia. He remarked with pleasure their emphasis on the need to promote Maltese culture and also Maltese history, especially with the young generation of Maltese in Australia.

In Adelaide, President Vella also met with the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson. There are around 7,800 people of Maltese descent in South Australian. Most of the Maltese emigrated to this Australian state in the fifties and sixties. A smaller group emigrated in the seventies.

In his last engagement in the state of Victoria, President Vella visited the Caroline Springs George Cross FC, which has a long history in football. Here, the President received a warm welcome by a large number of Maltese attending the event. In a few words on the occasion, President Vella said that this club is a strong testimony of how the Maltese identity – in this case the sporting identity – has been steadily renewed over the years. He remarked that such clubs have served and still serve as a place where Maltese meet and support each other. He admitted that this meeting was an emotional experience seeing different generations of the Maltese community together. The President also met with a group of children, most of them of Maltese descent, who train at this club. The band ‘MMG Concert Band of Victoria’ also took part in this event.

The President’s delegation in Australia includes the Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.

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