Multi Kulti Collective launches integration initiative for older people
The Bulgarian non-profit organisation Multi Kulti Collective launched its innovative integration initiative “Active Sofia 65+: Together for a More Fulfilling Life”. The project promotes active ageing, intergenerational solidarity and social inclusion by engaging 250 older residents in Sofia, including Bulgarians, migrants, and refugees, alongside 50 younger volunteers. Through a series of educational, cultural, and intercultural activities – ranging from digital literacy workshops and health sessions to cultural visits and community exchanges – the project aims to strengthen community ties and improve the wellbeing of older people. Recognising that migrants and refugees often face additional challenges in building connections and accessing opportunities as they age, the project fosters an inclusive environment where diverse communities can learn from and support one another in leading more active, fulfilling lives.
Migrant student population continues to grow
A 2024 Open Society Institute – Sofia report finds that the number of foreign university students in Bulgaria has doubled in the last 10 years. In 2024, this group represented almost 16 000, or 8.6%, of all university students. Around 9 000 come from third countries (most commonly the UK, Ukraine and North Macedonia), while approximately 7 000 come from other EU member states.
Third country nationals (TCNs) in Bulgaria most often choose to study medicine, dentistry, administration and management, economics, and computer science. The most attractive cities for migrant students are Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna, followed by Stara Zagora and Pleven where there are medical universities.
Cooperation agreement signed with Uzbekistan on labour migration
The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association and the Migration Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a cooperation agreement in the field of labour migration. It aims to lay the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two parties and facilitate the process of recruiting Uzbek workers who wish to migrate to Bulgaria. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the Bulgarian Employment Confederation, approximately 15 000 citizens of Uzbekistan are currently working in Bulgaria and their number is expected to increase.
New programme promotes the integration of people displaced from Ukraine
The Bulgarian Council of Ministers adopted the new Programme for Humanitarian Support and Integration of Displaced Persons from Ukraine Granted Temporary Protection in the Republic of Bulgaria. It provides accommodation for up to 60 days in state- and municipally-owned facilities, while individuals belonging to risk groups (children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, elderly people over 65, etc.) may be accommodated for the entire duration of their temporary protection (until March 2026). The programme emphasises the independent integration of people displaced from Ukraine through access to employment and services.
UNHCR publishes comparative report on refugee and asylum-seeker experiences
The 2024 UNHCR AGD Participatory Assessment report provides an in-depth picture of refugee and asylum-seeker experiences in Bulgaria, comparing the situation of pepole displaced from Ukraine under temporary protection with asylum seekers from other countries (mainly from Syria and Afghanistan).
According to the report, Ukrainians generally report easier access to services, employment, and community centres such as the Compass Protection and Inclusion Network, where they receive legal, psychological, and language support. People from other countries report persistent barriers including language obstacles, limited information about asylum procedures and family reunification and more limited integration opportunities. Across all groups, research participants stressed the need for clearer communication, greater direct contact with UNHCR, improved healthcare access, legal aid, and expanded services in smaller towns. The report concludes that trust and integration depend on consistent, locally delivered support and recommends that policy and service design is grounded in refugees’ lived experiences.
Trafficking report examines migrants’ experiences in Bulgaria
The 2025 Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) 2020-2024 report found that Bulgaria, once mainly a country of origin and transit for human trafficking, is increasingly becoming a destination for vulnerable migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, many of whom face labour exploitation in sectors like agriculture, construction, and services. The report recommends that Bulgaria strengthens border and workplace monitoring, regulates recruitment practices, improves access to information and social protection for migrants, and ensures stable funding and coordination among institutions combating trafficking.
UNHCR surveys share socio-economic data on refugees in Bulgaria
The October 2025 UNHCR Socio-Economic Survey revealed new data about people displaced from Ukraine living in Bulgaria. 45% are aged between 25 and 60, while 30% are under 18. 43% of the children and young people aged 3-24 attended a Bulgarian educational institution in 2023/2024 which marks a significant increase compared to the previous academic year. 39% of those who don’t attend Bulgarian school are enrolled in a Ukrainian school online. When it comes to the relationship between people displaced from Ukraine and the host community, 75% of survey respondents describe it as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ with just 2% describing it as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’. 73% report no change to this relationship since their arrival.
Another UNHCR Socio-Economic Survey published in October shares data on people displaced from other countries living in Bulgaria. 85% of those surveyed came to Bulgaria from Syria, followed by Iraq, Afghanistan and Morocco. Men make up 77% of their total. 77% are aged 18-34 while 2% are over 60. 25% of households surveyed have children; 5% have infants. 9% of these households reported hostile behaviour or attitudes from the local population, while 90% said they have never experienced this. Less than 25% of children aged between 3 and 18 attend a Bulgarian educational institution, while 75% are not in education. The main reasons reported for this are the language barrier, a lack of information and family preferences.
Source: New migrant integration initiatives and research in Bulgaria – Migration and Home Affairs
