Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Malta in March 2020, UNHCR Malta has developed a range of information for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Malta, as well as for NGOs working with these groups. A page on their website includes World Health Organization (WHO) resources in different languages on hygiene and sanitation along with Malta-specific information.

The website features audio recordings on the measures introduced, available in English, Arabic, French, Somali, Tigrinya and Bengali. A Facebook group, COVID-19 Information for Refugees, Asylum seekers and Migrants in Malta, was launched on 13 March 2020, as well as a WhatsApp group to receive updates. UNHCR Malta has published posters in six languages announcing the launch of the groups.

In addition, on 13 April 2020, UNHCR Malta launched a Helpline for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants. The helpline is available in 7 languages, with a dedicated phone number for each language. Individuals can call by phone or WhatsApp or leave a WhatsApp voice note. The posters announcing the helpline encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to call the national helpline 111.

Schedule and phone numbers for the helpline:

English/Maltese (99690080) – Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00-12:00

Somali (99690080) – Wednesdays 12:00-14:00

French/Arabic (99115792) – Wednesdays and Fridays 14:00-16:00

Bengali/Bangla (99115804) – Tuesdays 12:00-14:00

Tigrinya (99115804) – Mondays 10:00-12:00