site.btaLabour Ministry to Review Planned Refugee Integration Activities

Labour Ministry to Review
Planned Refugee Integration
Activities


Sofia, September 16 (BTA) - The Ministry of Labour and Social
Policy said on September 15 that it will review the refugee
integration activities included in a plan which is to be
approved by the Council of Ministers. With respect to foreigners
 who have been awarded international protection in Bulgaria, the
 most urgent measures which will be taken include organizing
Bulgarian-language classes and making a transition to vocational
 training.

This emerged after Labour and Social Policy Minister Yordan
Hristoskov met with Roland Francois-Weil, Representative of the
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bulgaria.

Some of the activities in the proposed plan are already being
implemented, Hristoskov said. He added that a procedure is
underway to nominate members to the National Council on
Migration and Integration.

Francois-Weil said the ability to speak Bulgarian is fundamental
 for the successful integration of refugees in this country. He
expressed support for the government's efforts to this end. The
guest noted that the UNHCR Office can offer Bulgaria technical
assistance, expertise and staff training.

Data of the State Agency for Refugees shows that 4,500 persons
have received refugee or humanitarian status in Bulgaria this
year. SN/VE

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