This doctoral dissertation examines the integration experiences of immigrants in Maribor, northeastern Slovenia, through a socio-cultural anthropological lens. Based on ten years of ethnographic fieldwork (2015–2025), including participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the study investigates the lived realities of diverse immigrant groups, such as refugees, economic migrants, and “love migrants.” Adopting an emic perspective, it emphasizes immigrants’ own interpretations of integration, providing insights crucial for context-sensitive policy and practice.

The research identifies six key dimensions of integration: socio-cultural, linguistic, economic, psychological, legal-political, and ethnic. Findings reveal persistent barriers across these dimensions. Linguistic obstacles arise due to the complexity of Slovenian and limited opportunities for practice, while economic challenges include underemployment and informal work arrangements. Restricted social networks with the local population further limit access to information, social support, and intercultural exchange.

Participants also report experiences of discrimination and cultural or biological racism, particularly in employment and social interactions. Despite these difficulties, immigrants demonstrate a strong desire to integrate while retaining their cultural identity. They view integration as inclusive participation rather than assimilation and emphasize the need for more opportunities to engage directly with Slovenian society.

The dissertation concludes with policy recommendations to enhance immigrant integration in Maribor. These include improving access to language education, facilitating intercultural contact, strengthening social services, and addressing structural barriers to inclusion. By combining theoretical reflection with empirical evidence, the study contributes to understanding the complexities of immigrant integration in a mid-sized Slovenian city and offers guidance for fostering more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable integration strategies.