site.btaExpert Speaks of High Likelihood of Bigger Groups of Refugees Heading to Bulgaria from Country's Southern Neighbours

Expert Speaks of High Likelihood of Bigger Groups of Refugees Heading to Bulgaria from Country's Southern Neighbours

Sofia, September 4 (BTA) - Head of the Refugee and Migration Service with the Bulgarian Red Cross Mariana Stoyanova said, interviewed by BTA, that there is a high likelihood of bigger groups of refugees heading to Bulgaria from the country's southern neighbours.

Migrants-wise, the situation in Bulgaria at the moment is relatively calm, Stoyanova said. She said that migrants know very well how things stand in each country on their route to Europe, and that Bulgaria strictly complies with the European regulations: finger printing, a registration procedure, border security, which makes them opt to go via neighbouring countries.

Using EU funding, the Bulgarian Red Cross rents housing for migrants who have obtained asylum status or shelter and who live in refugee centres. However, most of them are reluctant to live in such rented accommodation because they do not have work and are concerned of not being able to pay the utility costs. This is why as well as accommodation, the Bulgarian Red Cross is trying to find jobs for them, Stoyanova said.

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Meanwhile, head of the Regional Directorate of the Interior in Pernik, Western Bulgaria, Valentin Bouchinski said that 40 migrants were detained on Thursday evening, on an alert of residents of the village of Golyamo Bouchino. The migrants reportedly arrived in Golyamo Bouchino by car from Sofia. A check is being conducted of their IDs. Medical aid has been provided.