Author
The Reception Regulations require that within 15 days from lodging the asylum application, the Principal Immigration Officer ensures that all applicants are informed of reception benefits and obligations, and of groups and individuals providing legal and other forms of assistance.[1]
There are no structured information sessions on asylum within the reception centres. AWAS provides information about the reception conditions, such as rules of the centre, per diem, etc. Information is also contained in the agreement signed between applicants and AWAS on the day of their entry into the reception system.
Information is given to residents entering the centres about their rights and rules of the centres. AWAS also established an information point at the end of 2020, either by appointment or drop in. The Migrant’s Advice Unit (MAU) has an office in each centre and AWAS staff is present on site on a daily basis. As highlighted by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality. “Additionally, the MAU established a private Facebook group in 2022, which currently comprises of 51 members. The MAU actively manages the group, uploading new content three times a week on various topics. This Facebook group serves as an additional means for the Migrant Advice Unit to communicate with beneficiaries, fostering a dynamic and interactive channel for information dissemination.”[2]
The MAU is staffed with welfare officers who provide information on employment, housing, education and health. The Unit reportedly gives group sessions on services and activities to assist with integration into the community. Each open centre has a member of the team operating as a focal point for referrals to other stakeholders.
NGOs welcomed this improvement and cooperate with the MAU on a regular basis in relation to info-sharing as well as referrals.
[1] Regulation 4 of the Reception Regulations, S.L. 420.06.
[2] Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality, Feedback on the 2022 AIDA Country Report on Malta, shared with ECRE in January 2024.