The number of work permits issued to minors is constantly increasing, according to the data of the Main Labor Inspectorate, cited by the BNR.
For the first five months of 2024, they are 3,404, with over 3,300 of them for persons aged 16 to 18. The most permits were granted in the regions of Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv, Sofia city, Sofia region and Blagoevgrad.
For comparison, in the first five months of last year, 2,545 work permits were issued to minors, and for the whole year - nearly 15,000. For 2022, they were just under 12,000, and before the Covid pandemic - less from 9500.
Legislation in Bulgaria protects children from labor exploitation. It stipulates a ban on work under the age of 16, as well as special protection for underage workers and employees.
Exceptions are also provided for starting work earlier for talented children, for their inclusion in film productions, theater troupes, musical ensembles, etc.
Minors may be employed only after prior permission from the Labor Inspectorate. If the documents submitted by the employer are correct, an organization has been created to have a decision from the Labor Inspectorate within 2 days, although the deadline is 7 days.
Employers are required to provide documents that are mandatory for every workplace, regardless of whether minors or adults will be employed there. The difference is that when hiring persons under the age of 18, they present themselves in advance to the Inspection, and when hiring adults – upon inspection. Hiring minors without permission from the Labor Inspectorate is considered a crime.
When such a violation is established, the Prosecutor's Office is notified to initiate criminal proceedings.