Social care for the migrant population in Spain: needs and strengths of organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic

Abstract

Purpose – In the past months, the authors have experienced an exceptional global situation that especially affects the most vulnerable population. This paper aims to analyse the needs, strengths and good practices of the organisations that have continued to study with the migrant population during the health crisis. The main objective was to determine how the health, social and communication crisis has affected the management of the organisation itself, the communications with its direct beneficiaries, the communications with the rest of society, as well as the perception that organisations specialised in migration have about how media has communicated the information of COVID-19 and migrant population. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have circulated a questionnaire with open questions that covered the four dimensions previously mentioned. Findings – The results show the analysis of the answers of 11 of the most important national and international organisations in the field of migration and refuge that operate in Spain. Originality/value – Key issues have emerged related not only to the principal management concerns, internal digital communication, the adaptability of external communication and the major effort required to provide information about migration but also to innovative good practices. That other third sector organisations focussed on migration will be able to apply in the future and in other geographic areas.