In 2022, 7 900 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Bulgaria (excluding EU citizens), 23% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 42% labour migrants, 15% family members (including accompanying family), 11% who came for education reasons and 31% other migrants. Around 1 000 short-term permits were issued to international students and 1 300 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 10 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 59% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Syria, Türkiye and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Syria registered the strongest increase (1900) and North Macedonia the largest decrease (‑200) in flows to Bulgaria compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 11%, to reach around 22 000. The majority of applicants came from Syria (12 000), Afghanistan (5 900) and Morocco (2 600). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Syria (3 800) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑1 300). Of the 8 740 decisions taken in 2023, 66% were positive.
Emigration of Bulgarian citizens to OECD countries increased by 5% in 2022, to 91 000. Approximately 45% of this group migrated to Germany, 14% to the Netherlands and 9% to Spain.
Political instability in Bulgaria, related to the frequent change of governments in 2022 and 2023, prevented the creation of an effective migration policy addressing the internal and external economic and political challenges. The only anchor of political agreement was the accession of Bulgaria to the Schengen area, so that migration policy has largely been about fulfilling the conditions for entry.
Changes to the legislation in 2023 focus on harmonisation with the latest EU requirements regarding the entry and residence of foreigners, ensuring the exchange of information with other countries, and using information systems for better control of the movement of persons from third countries. As an external border of the EU, Bulgaria continues to suffer pressure from illegal migration and has sought to strengthen border control.
In August 2023, amendments in the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act were adopted, aiming to ensure the implementation of legal acts of the European Union. They harmonise texts in Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act with the requirements of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the fields of border checks, police co‑operation and judicial co‑operation in criminal matters. They also establish an entry and exit system to register details on entry, exit, and rejection of entry for third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States.
In May 2023 the government adopted a National Plan for Capacity Development, Border Management and Return of Illegally Staying Third-Country Nationals, with the main focus the borders with Türkiye and Serbia. The measures adopted included: new border road infrastructure; improved equipment for border surveillance; more border police.
The Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act was amended twice in 2022‑23 to facilitate entry to the labour market for refugees with high professional qualifications from Ukraine, Russia and Moldova. Procedures for Blue Card applications, allowing holders to work freely for another employer in Bulgaria after 12 months in the country, were streamlined.
For further information: www.aref.government.bg | www.nsi.bg | www.mvr.bg
