Migration has long played a significant role in shaping the demographics and socio-political landscape of Malta. Over the past eight decades, the island has witnessed various migration patterns, from the post-war exodus of Maltese citizens to destinations like the United States, Canada and Australia (Lubig, 2011), to the arrival of refugees and asylum-seekers (via perilous crossings in the Mediterranean since 2002), and the recent rise in foreign nationals seeking economic opportunities within Malta itself.

However, third country nationals (TCN) who want to work in Malta but also wish to enjoy the right to family life often find themselves between a rock and a hard place. The family reunification process for TCN is restrictive and depends on the parents’ income. Parents who migrate to Malta with their family, and who do not satisfy the required income criteria are not provided with the necessary documentation that officially recognises their children. Thus, these children cannot be registered in schools. This study explores the experiences of parents who are TCN and this policy’s implications on their children’s educational trajectory, on their wellbeing, and on parents’ employment-related issues. Research data was collected from snowball sampling following FREC approval. Seven parents were recruited through snowball sampling. They sat for a semi-structured interview of approximately one hour each. Some required the assistance of an interpreter. Parents voiced various concerns due to the authorities’ denial of their children’s right to education – from leaving their children at home on their own, to financial constraints due to having to provide alternative means by which their children can access education – such as sending them to private lessons, or attending online lessons.

Keywords: migrant parents, children, education