Supporting refugees in Malta.
Refugees and asylum-seekers can face various challenges while trying to settle and rebuild their lives.
Everyone can play a role in creating a more welcoming and inclusive community, whether it is by learning more about refugees’ situation, or by actively getting involved.
On this page we have listed some ways you can support refugees and asylum-seekers in Malta, either by volunteering or making donations, or simply follow us and our partner organisations to keep up-to-date on local activities and news.
Volunteer or Donate
UNHCR does not take on volunteers in our operation in Malta, but there are many organisations we work with which do, and which would love to hear from people interested in joining their team.
Below is a list of some local organisations, what they do, and the kinds of volunteers and donations they need. This list will be updated regularly. If you’re a local NGO or voluntary organisation working with refugees and asylum-seekers and want to be included on this page, get in touch with us on [email protected]
Blue Door English
NGO providing literacy and language classes for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Volunteers needed: Volunteers with TEFL, CELTA and/or teaching experience, volunteers with qualifications and/or experience in the humanitarian field, volunteers with organisational and administrative skills.
Accepts donations of: A4 paper, lined copy books, pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, whiteboard markers, drinking water (bottled, canisters or in the form of vouchers)
How to contact: [email protected]
African Media Association
Media NGO that promotes The African Perspective with News, Empowerment and Advocacy.
Volunteers needed: Volunteers with skills in Communication, journalism, Social Media management or project management.
Accepts donations of: Radio studio equipment
How to contact: Facebook | Email: [email protected]
For more information: Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram
Hal Far Outreach
NGO running a weekly information centre, Employment assistance via assistance with CV writing and job searches, Educational services through 10-week English courses in different levels, as well as weekly language cafés. Collection and distribution of (non-food) items, including for a temporary ‘Free Shop’.
Volunteers needed: Teachers with a teaching certificate and/or experience teaching English; Information centre volunteers and community volunteers with understanding of English, French and/or Arabic; Administrative volunteers with administration and organisational skills. Previous volunteer experience as well as understanding of migration within Europe and Malta is an asset.
Accepts donations of: Clothing items, on a rolling basis and through occasional themed donation appeals. Visit Facebook or Instagram for information.
How to contact: [email protected]
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Spark 15
Youth refugee and migrant led NGO that run an English IELTS programme (to access higher education), organise football tournaments, get-togethers, and various projects with focus on inclusion.
Volunteers needed: IELTS preparation teachers, English lessons coordinators, Administrative and general volunteers
Accepts donations of: Educational support technology such as laptops and tablets, to be used by students studying for IELTS English language qualification.
How to contact:
Email: [email protected] | Mobile: +356 9996 1531 | Facebook
For more information: Facebook
Sudanese Community Malta
Voluntary organisation providing general and integration support to asylum-seekers and refugees from Sudan and other countries.
Volunteers needed: Volunteers with social media skills, administration skills, and English/Maltese teachers
Accepts donations of: Clothing items, books.
How to contact:
Phone: 77032032 / 79801199 | Email: [email protected]
For more information: Facebook
Migrant Women Association Malta
A non-Governmental organisation concerned with the social & community advancement of Migrant women in the Maltese Islands.
Volunteers needed: Volunteers with various skills. Vacancies are listed on the website
Accepts donations of: Please check the website or send an email to keep posted.
How to contact:
Email: [email protected]
For more information:
Stay up to date on our latest news and stories
Follow UNHCR Malta on Facebook and Twitter @UNHCRMalta. Read the latest News and Stories on our website.
If you are a refugee or asylum-seeker in need of support or information, visit our Info for Refugees section for resources in different languages, and find our telephone helpline numbers on our Contact page.
If you want to learn more about refugees in Malta, we have also published two magazines which are available online:
You can contact [email protected] for a free printed copy.
Follow our local partners
In Malta we work with local partner organisations which provide crucial legal, psychosocial, and general assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers, and services including drop-in centres, helplines and integration support.
They also raise awareness on various issues related to refugees, asylum-seekers and human rights in Malta, including through campaigns and publications.
Be Inspired
Watch – Check out these recommended films that inspire hope, presented by Cate Blanchett, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
Read – Pick up these recommended books from UNHCR USA and open your mind with inspiring stories of migration and survival.
Teach – Work in education? Explore UNHCR teaching materials on refugees, asylum, migration and statelessness (ages 6 – 18) and a section dedicated to professional development and guidance for primary and secondary school teachers on including refugee children in their classes.
Taste – UNHCR Canada has published an amazing recipe book with dishes contributed by refugees from different parts of the world.
Create – Calling young artists! The 2021 Youth with Refugees Art Contest invites you to draw an illustration relating to how sport brings people together. The winners of the contest will get to have their designs printed on footballs, which will be sold to raise money for refugees to access sport.
Follow – Are you an Instagram user? See photos and stories from UNHCR around the world on UNHCR’s Instagram account
Sign up to UNHCR’s global weekly global newsletter
Learn about refugees
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.
The protection of refugees has many aspects. These include safety from being returned to the dangers they have fled; access to asylum procedures that are fair and efficient; and measures to ensure that their basic human rights are respected to allow them to live in dignity and safety while helping them to find a longer-term solution. States bear the primary responsibility for this protection. UNHCR therefore works closely with governments, advising and supporting them as needed to implement their responsibilities.