site.btaParliament Adopts Legislative Changes to Streamline Process of Hiring Third-country Nationals for Seasonal Work

Parliament adopted at first and second reading on Thursday changes to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act which optimize the process of hiring citizens of third countries for the purposes of seasonal work. The bill was introduced by Manoil Manev and Temenuzhka Petkova from GERB-UDF.

The main changes concern the procedures for granting residence for long-term and short-term seasonal employment. They create a legal opportunity for a foreigner who resides in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and holds a residence permit, other than a single permit for residence and work, highly qualified employment and intra-corporate transfer, to apply for residence without having to leave the territory of the country. The changes envisaged the possibility of extending the period of residence of foreigners performing seasonal work for a period of up to 90 days and entered with a short-term residence visa.

Manoil Manev (GERB-UDF) pointed out that the bill would provide for extending the visa of certain persons without them having to leave the country, which could theoretically cover both summer and winter seasons.

Hristo Prodanov (BSP for Bulgaria) also called for the bill to be adopted in two readings. “Given that we all support this proposal and that tomorrow is the last meeting of the National Assembly, my call is for us to act quickly,” he said, stressing that is they miss this opportunity, the summer season will face labour shortage issue.