site.btaOver 90% Increase on Illegal Migrants in Bulgaria in May Compared to April

In May, a total of 1,267 third-country nationals were detained, which is 93.1% more than in April (656 people), according to Interior Ministry statistics. Of the total number of detainees, 1,097 were found to be illegally staying inside the country, 88 were caught trying to illegally cross the border and 82 were caught trying to exit. 

During the period from January to May 2023, a total of 4,254 third-country nationals were detained. That number is 25% down from the figure in the same period of 2022 (5,672).

The State Agency for Refugees' centres were 43.9% full as of 31 May. They accommodated 1,578 people, most of them from Syria, Afghanistan and Morocco. During the month, 1,330 people were admitted to these centres and 954 left them voluntarily, while another 244 left with protection granted. Since the beginning of the year, 4,735 people have left the centres voluntarily.

The accommodation facilities of the Interior Ministry Migration Directorate are 56.9% full. As of 31 May, here were 603 people in them, mainly from Syria.