The Council of Ministers has adopted a decision that will actually begin work on the return of our compatriots who are abroad. We are focusing on Bulgarian communities in certain countries in order to be able to attract them back to our country. This was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov.
The initiative will be called “I Choose Bulgaria”. “In this way, we want to really help resolve the demographic crisis in our country, which, in turn, has an impact on the economy of the state. We all see that there is not enough workforce and people to work in certain sectors”, commented Gutsanov.
“On Thursday, the Employment Agency will start accepting applications from people who want to get involved. They will be submitted electronically. Bulgarians who have been abroad for at least a year out of the last 18 months or Bulgarians who have completed their education abroad in the last year and a half will be able to apply. We are targeting Bulgarian communities abroad. Even before we have started, it is clear that the interest is huge. There are applications and inquiries from people who want to participate in the initiative”, added the minister.
According to him, the program is aimed at those who seek development for themselves and for our country. “In order for people to get involved, they must start working. They will not receive funds just because they are returning to Bulgaria,” Gutsanov explained.
The entire initiative costs a little over 26 million leva. Information and better access to the labor market can be obtained through the Employment Agency. The program will provide assistance for moving household goods up to 10,000 leva, but only when people have returned to Bulgaria and have worked for at least 6 months.
“If they do not have their own home, they can receive a little over 400 leva in housing assistance, but only when they have started working”, Gutsanov added.
“Bulgarian language training is offered for family members who are foreign citizens. That is why we have included various other ministries in this initiative - education and healthcare,” he explained.
Incentives are offered for transportation to and from the workplace for a year and a half after returning. “Everyone will be able to apply and receive 30% of 6 average salaries from the sector in which they work. After 12 months - 50%”, commented Gutsanov.
“The idea and incentive is for people to return to Bulgaria, have jobs, make their contribution to the economy of our country and only then receive these incentives for moving household goods and the listed percentages”, said the minister.
“This is the first part of the initiative. What is coming up is to create a similar program for moving Bulgarian citizens from larger settlements to smaller ones with similar incentives. Because depopulation has been a huge problem for our country for the last nearly 30 years. This is the first cabinet that is taking real steps towards returning our citizens back to Bulgaria,” Gutsanov added.