Navigating complexities : social workers’ experiences in providing mental health services to asylum seekers in Malta

Abstract

In the recent years, Malta has received a high influx of asylum seekers. Most of these asylum seekers have gone through trauma, which impacts their mental health, which is further worsened by the difficulties faced even after arrival. Social workers are usually their first contact point of help. However, social workers often struggle to assist them due to various challenges. This study aims to capture the lived experiences of social workers in Malta who support asylum seekers with mental health challenges. IPA qualitative approach was employed. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with six social workers selected through purposive homogeneous sampling. Each interview lasted between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, which was then transcribed in verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that uncertainty, lengthy asylum procedures, and inability to access services are major factors that increase mental health challenges of asylum seekers in Malta. Findings also reveal that challenges like limited resources, language barriers, and cultural differences affect the social workers’ ability to support their clients effectively. These challenges not only negatively affect service provision but also contribute to workforce issues like frequent staff turnover, high emotional stress, and high caseloads. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of addressing cultural and language barriers, increasing resources and workplace support, and reforming policies and provides valuable recommendations to help reduce stigma and improve asylum seekers’ access to mental health services in Malta. Recommendations include greater involvement with interpreters and collaboration with relevant entities, establishing centralised service hub and specialised multidisciplinary team, simplifying the Mental Health Act and mental health care processes, and promoting continuous mental health care even for those who are under appeal or subsequent application process.