„The most significant change that is coming after the provisions of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum begin to be applied is the implementation of an entirely new asylum procedure for the Bulgarian asylum system at the border. Through it, we will be able to examine an application for protection in a significantly shorter period of time, by limiting the admission of the foreigner into the interior of the country“. This was stated by the Chairman of the State Agency for Refugees under the Council of Ministers, Ivan Ivanov, and added:
„This will ensure that persons who should not be granted international protection are available to the competent authorities, which will examine their application even if it is refused – to organize their rapid removal from the country. The goal is strong and secure external borders of the EU“.
The Pact on Migration and Asylum enters into force on June 12, this year. According to its provisions, by then Bulgaria must have a new law in the field of asylum, which is in accordance with the national interest and the specifics of the national asylum system, Ivan Ivanov pointed out.
According to him, the Pact additionally guarantees the rights of the so-called vulnerable groups seeking protection, and especially unaccompanied children - mandatory representation of children is introduced from the moment they are established in the country, who will assist them during the procedure and their adaptation in every aspect.
In accordance with the new Regulation “Eurodac“ the existing database will be transformed into a more comprehensive database in the field of migration and asylum, ensuring clear identification of every person entering the EU territory as an asylum seeker or an irregular resident, and supporting asylum management, monitoring of irregular migration and other policies.
We recall that the Pact on Migration and Asylum was proposed by the EC in 2020 in order to establish long-term, pragmatic and sustainable solutions for managing migration processes in EU countries, accelerated and streamlined procedures, an effective solidarity mechanism in the event of migratory pressure and crises, and a comprehensively upgraded and balanced Common European Asylum System.