Practices and policies in child labour: lessons from Malta

Abstract

The problem of child labour is widespread in Malta, despite the fact that there is compulsory schooling up to the age of 16, and even although most of the necessary formal legislative measures to combat the employment of children have been taken. Data is presented in order to provide a clear picture of the extent of the problem, as well as of the general conditions which prevail in the ‘twilight economy’ in which child workers labour. Economic and socio‐cultural reasons which could explain the continuing practice of child labour in Malta are explored, and general policy recommendations made.