In 2024, more people are migrating to and through Bulgaria, positioning the country as both a stopover and a new home for many.

Foreign workers are also arriving in greater numbers, but nearly half leave within a few months, making retention difficult.

Migration trends shift as Bulgaria becomes key transit, destination point

More third-country nationals are entering Bulgaria, either as a stop on their way to Western Europe or as a place to settle.

Daniela Saveklieva, Secretary of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB), noted that Bulgaria is no longer just a transit country but a growing destination for migrants.

Reports from 2024 indicate that human trafficking cases in Bulgaria increased. Authorities received 102 reports, 76 of which involved trafficking. Eleven victims were third-country nationals, most exploited for labor.

“In the past year, we have observed a change in migration flows and the risks faced by migrants,” Saveklieva explained.

Labor exploitation and sexual violence are rising, with traffickers using new tactics to recruit victims.

Bulgaria recently joined the Schengen Area, which could make migration within the European Union (EU) easier but also increase risks. With fewer border checks, traffickers may find it easier to move victims across countries, raising concerns about illegal migration and exploitation.

Foreign workforce grows but faces high turnover

Meanwhile, Bulgaria issued work permits to nearly 36,000 foreign workers from 79 countries in 2024, about 10,000 more than the previous year.

Most workers came from Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Moldova. Many had combined residence and work permits, while some held seasonal jobs.  

Keeping foreign workers remains a challenge. Over 40% leave within three months, often heading to Western Europe. Many quit due to low pay, poor working conditions, and a lack of proper housing.

“The demand for labor in Bulgaria is clear, but employers struggle to keep workers for long,” said Atanaska Todorova, an expert in labor migration.

Labor gaps remain

Seasonal jobs continue to bring in foreign workers, with 13,435 registered in 2024. This is nearly 2,000 fewer than the previous year. Turkey provided the most seasonal workers, with over 4,200 employed in short-term roles.

Bulgaria is still struggling to attract highly skilled foreign workers. Only 800 people received the EU Blue Card, far below employer expectations.

Meanwhile, layoffs in Bulgaria’s technology sector—possibly due to artificial intelligence and business exits—have added uncertainty to the job market.

Several industries depend on foreign workers. Hospitality, construction, IT, and call centers employ the most, while forestry and fisheries hire fewer. Employers need about 262,000 workers, but there are not enough skilled workers to fill these jobs.

Stricter border controls, visa regulations

Bulgaria’s changing role in migration and labor trends could impact both short-term visitors and long-term migrants to the EU. As the country becomes a key transit and destination point, border rules and visa policies may become stricter.

The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will introduce extra security checks for non-EU travelers on short visits. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must get prior electronic authorization to identify risks before arrival. 

With Bulgaria playing a bigger role in migration, authorities may use this system to track irregular movements more closely. This could lead to longer processing times and stricter checks, especially for travelers linked to high-migration areas.

For those needing a Schengen visa, Bulgaria’s growing migrant population and human trafficking concerns could lead to stricter screening, especially for applicants from countries with high migration rates.

While Bulgaria has joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel, further land border liberalization may be delayed if migration concerns persist. Some travelers may face stricter document requirements, especially for work or long-term stays, as EU countries manage rising migration pressures.

Tougher policies on labor migration, border security

EU countries may revise their immigration policies in response to Bulgaria’s rising number of migrants and foreign workers.

Many migrants pass through Bulgaria on their way to Western Europe, leading countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands to push for stronger border control and stricter measures against unauthorized migration.

Labor migration policies may also change. Bulgaria struggles to keep foreign workers, while Western European countries depend on migrant labor. 

These nations may offer new incentives to attract skilled workers but could also tighten rules to prevent illegal employment and exploitation, especially in high-risk industries.

Bulgaria’s seasonal worker shortages may also shape EU policies on temporary migration. If retention rates stay low, EU officials might consider easier work permit processes or stronger labor protections to ensure a stable workforce.

Bulgaria’s shifting migration trends affect not just its own policies but also broader EU discussions on visas, labor rules, and border control.

Addressing challenges in migration, employment

Bulgaria must strengthen its policies to prevent worker exploitation and ensure fair conditions for labor migrants. Experts call for better protections and closer cooperation between government agencies, employers, and international groups.

As migration patterns shift and labor shortages continue, Bulgaria faces both benefits and difficulties. The country’s ability to handle these changes depends on policies that support the economy while protecting both migrants and local workers.