What was it like arriving in Malta? What did you feel? What did you think was going to happen? Take us through it.

I was 17 years old when I arrived in Malta. I was put in the detention centre for a year, before I got freedom and I started building a new life.

When I was given back my freedom and came out of the detention centre, it was very complicated and difficult for me to get my bearings as I did not know where to start or what to do.

As a person who was just given his freedom back, I knew that I had to do everything step by step - first I had to find a job before I could make a proper living. I did just that, so that I would be able to manage myself and move forward.

My first job was doing construction work.

Was it difficult to find a job in Malta?

No, that part is not very difficult. The thing is you don't know what to do or how to start all by yourself, because you don't have someone who will show you the way.

As time passed, I tried to learn what I had to do by myself.

The job I had with the construction company was only a temporary job that lasted for three months. After that I was again in a situation where I needed to find employment.

I found my first proper job at a conference related to the tourism sector. A friend of mine took me. There were a lot of people in the catering business and hotel managers and I met a man who took my details and said he would call me if he needed me.

He told me that this would be a full-time maintenance job because I would be replacing the previous maintenance man who was retiring. I had had previous experience as a mechanic so he said I would be able to cope with this job.

This person was a good man. He helped me pick up the skills I needed for the job he was giving me.

I worked in that position for about 3 years and after that I have always kept on trying to learn other things and teach myself as much as possible.

Would you say that your experience with other employers in Malta were as easy-going?

They were mostly the same - it all depends on the character of the bosses. Some people are very good, some people are not, but the majority are good people.

They are kind and helpful, and they try to encourage and motivate you to do something.

Coming from such a different country, did you experience a culture shock when you came to Malta?

I did not find it that difficult because of the English language. I spoke English back home so, wherever I went it helped me express myself and understand others.

When people see you can speak English then they want to speak with you and ask questions. 

I can't say many bad things about Malta, it’s just normal working-class people.

Just like my bosses were mostly good people, the people on the street are the same. You can find people who are racist but I think it’s mostly a misunderstanding.

But now, as time goes on, I can see the changes and it will get better.

They are used to us, we work together, and we both work to understand each other.

The police have never caused me any problems either - they've never stopped me in the street or anything like that.

I believe that when you go somewhere that has laws then you must follow them - I always stay away from trouble and fights because I am here alone and with no family.

Since I am a Muslim, another problem I would sometimes find was the ability to pray 5 times a day whilst working a job. Really and truly, it depends on the type of boss I would have.

I remember at my first full-time job, my boss respected my religion, even when we were working together. If it was time for me to pray, I would inform him that I need a few minutes to go and pray, and he would allow me to go.

Would you change anything about Malta?

There are a lot of people living here in Malta who don't have documents. It is a very big problem. People like me who work a lot and pay our taxes.

If you contribute to society, I think you deserve some rights, especially people who have been here for a very long time.

When you work and you pay tax and contribute without benefits, that is a big problem that we are facing.

What is your plan for the future?

My plan in the beginning was to become a mechanic because I enjoy that kind of work, but you need schooling for it. For me it is difficult because I would not be able to work and earn a salary if I go to school.

Malta is becoming more expensive, especially the rent.

I would like to go to school to become a mechanic but I am alone and no-one is going to help me. I go to work and pay my rent.

Hopefully in the future I can plan something, maybe a course in mechanics or something of the sort. If not, I will try to upgrade my driving license to get a better job.

What I like about Malta is that there is peace, unless you cause problems for yourself and the police get involved you are okay. You just focus on your job and do the right things - you follow the law.