Bulgaria Amends Foreigners Act for Highly Qualified Workers and Seasonal Workers

66
1
Bulgaria Amends Foreigners Act for Highly Qualified Workers and Seasonal Workers

The caretaker government of Bulgaria has approved a draft law that amends and supplements the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. This draft law aims to synchronize the document with EU directives regarding the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment.

The amendments provide for the possibility of changing employers after the first 12 months and changing the position held by the Blue Card holder without requiring any additional authorization, other than the EU Blue Card and a valid passport. This change will streamline the process for highly qualified workers to change jobs and positions within Bulgaria.

The conditions for the entry and stay of third-country nationals as seasonal workers are also being amended. After obtaining a residence document, there will be an option to extend the foreigner's stay for up to 90 days. This will provide more flexibility for seasonal workers who need to stay in Bulgaria for longer periods.

The procedure for presenting the right to long-term residence for investors is being optimized. This will make it easier for investors to obtain long-term residency in Bulgaria.

The stay of third-country nationals on the territory of Bulgaria will be considered as a stay within the Schengen Area. In this regard, the draft law provides for a general rule for stay in accordance with the Schengen Borders Code. This will ensure that third-country nationals who are legally residing in Bulgaria have the same rights as EU citizens when it comes to traveling within the Schengen Area.