site.btaNumber of Third-Country Nationals Passing through Bulgaria for Migration Purposes Rises in 2024 - NCCTHB Secretary

In 2024, there is a trend of an increasing number of third-country nationals passing through Bulgaria for migration purposes, with some of them staying in the country, National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) Secretary Daniela Saveklieva told BTA on Thursday.

She added that this includes both migrants attempting to pass through Bulgaria to other European destinations, as well as those who stay here for long-term residence.

Data for 2024 show that Bulgaria is beginning to establish itself not only as a country of origin but also as an important transit and destination country for migrants, including those at risk of human trafficking. In her role as coordinator of the National Mechanism for Referral and Support of Trafficked Persons in Bulgaria (NRM), the NCCTHB administration receives reports of human trafficking cases, which can be submitted by phone, email, or through the NCCTHB's website and social media profiles, as well as through the human trafficking hotline maintained by representatives of the non-governmental sector, other institutions, and international or non-governmental organizations, Saveklieva said.

A total of 102 reports have been submitted for 2024, of which 76 concern cases of human trafficking. The total number of trafficking victims across all reports, formally or informally identified, including children, is 79. Regarding the reports concerning third-country nationals, the figures are as follows: 11 victims (2 people at risk of trafficking, 1 person – sexual exploitation, 8 people – labor exploitation), she pointed out.

"In the past year, we have observed a change in the nature of migration flows and the risks faced by migrants," Saveklieva noted. There are increasingly frequent cases of labor exploitation and sexual violence involving migrants from third countries. "We are also seeing an increase in the number of trafficked individuals who entered Bulgaria through various channels, including through relaxed visa regimes. Traffickers are becoming more inventive in using new methods to recruit and transport victims," the NCCTHB Secretary said.

In addition to fake job advertisements, traffickers use social media to build trust and manipulate potential victims. There are also cases of forced criminal activity, where victims are coerced into committing illegal acts.

The main destinations for Bulgarian citizens who become victims of trafficking are Western European countries such as Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. There, they most often find themselves in situations of labor exploitation, sexual violence, or forced begging. It is important to note that these trafficking networks usually target people who are vulnerable due to poverty, lack of employment, and social issues, Saveklieva pointed out.

She added that traffickers constantly adapt their methods of recruiting and manipulating victims. They use new technologies to establish contact with potential victims, such as social media and online platforms.

She underlined that entering Schengen will facilitate the movement of people within the EU, but it could also increase risks for Bulgarian citizens. One of the main risks is that traffickers will have even easier access to Bulgaria and other EU countries, which will facilitate the transportation of people within Schengen. The lack of border controls could be exploited by traffickers to more easily transport victims across borders. This could also lead to an increase in cases of illegal migration and exploitation of vulnerable groups.

According to Saveklieva, the problem of child and baby trafficking, although not as common, always exists as a risk. The possibility of an increase in these cases is real if measures to protect children are not strengthened, especially in the context of new migration flows and the growing globalization of trafficking.

Baby trafficking is a significant problem that could worsen in the absence of adequate preventive measures. Factors such as poverty, social vulnerability, and lack of awareness can contribute to the increase in these cases. Therefore, it is necessary to work on joint international efforts to prevent this type of crime and ensure protection for the most vulnerable, Saveklieva said.

She also commented on the conference starting Thursday in Sofia, which focuses on the labor migration of third-country nationals and the risks of becoming involved in human trafficking, Saveklieva said that the event will draw participants' attention to several key topics, including strengthening policies and practices to support the legal employment of third-country nationals, addressing vulnerabilities and risks of labor exploitation along migration routes, and promoting cooperation between stakeholders to protect the rights of labor migrants.

"We hope to find practical solutions to ensure that every person seeking honest work and a better life will be protected," Saveklieva added.