site.btaCabinet Sets up National Council for Migration and Integration

Cabinet Sets up National Council for Migration and Integration

Sofia, February 4 (BTA) - The Government established a National
Council on Migration and Integration, which will be co-chaired
by the deputy prime ministers on coordination of European
policies and institutional issues and on demographic and social
policy, the Council of Ministers' press centre said.

The creation of the National Council has been prompted by the
need of better management of the migration flows and promotion
of the integration of foreigners, having received international
protection in Bulgaria. The Council will have as its objective
the development and the regulation of the policies in these
areas and their coordination with the relevant institutions.

It is about to draw up a single updated strategic document based
on the National Strategy on Migration, Asylum and Integration
(2011-2020) and the National Strategy on Integration of Persons
Granted International Protection in the Republic of Bulgaria
(2014-2020). The Council will propose annual plans for the
implementation of the strategic documents.

Apart from the two co-chairpersons, it also includes deputy
ministers of justice, the interior, foreign affairs, labour and
social policy, health, education and finances as well as the
Chair of the State Agency for Refugees, and the Chair of the
State Child Protection Agency. Participating are also a Deputy
Chair of the State Agency for National Security, the directors
of the Border Police Directorate and the Migration Directorate
with the Interior Ministry as well as a representative of the
National Association of Municipalities. The Council will work in
cooperation with representatives of the local authorities,
trade union and employer organizations and NGOs.