The National Employment Agency is applying with the I Choose Bulgaria initiative under the Programme of Human Resources Development, the aim of the operation being to create conditions and incentives for the permanent settlement in Bulgaria of Bulgarians living abroad, persons of Bulgarian origin and applicants from third countries, regarding whom Bulgarian legislation does not require any authorization to access the labour market.

• The application process for the “I Choose Bulgaria” initiative begins in September
• Ministry of Labor and Social Policy to launch a program aimed at attracting Bulgarians from abroad

The Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad is an eligible partner for the implementation of the project. The initiative is expected to provide services for access to the labour market by the National Employment Agency, one-time aid for moving house, and a settlement supplement for a period of up to 12 months. The admissible one-time aid for moving house within the bounds of the EU amounts to 5,000 Leva, and outside the EU – up to 10,000 Leva. The initiative includes other financial incentives as well. The participants in the project who are foreign citizens, or members of their families may be eligible for Bulgarian language training for their faster integration into the labour market in this country. Other financial incentives include coverage of the transportation to and from work for a period of 12 months.

• Labour force from the Bulgarian diaspora – a good idea, but it will not solve existing problems

Edited by Miglena Ivanova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos: Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, archive