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INFORMATION FOR REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE
How, where, what: About the first steps of fleeing the war in Ukraine
NATIONAL HOTLINE: 02 90 55 555 and +380 322 465 075
In order to alleviate the situation, Bulgaria has approved a procedure for immediately obtaining the status of TEMPORARY PROTECTION, which is given to the citizens of Ukraine at the border, after the relevant inspection by the border services.
IMPORTANT: Acquisition of TEMPORARY PROTECTION does NOT restrict people fleeing the war in Ukraine from leaving the territory of Bulgaria at any time, nor does it deprive them of previous citizenship (Ukrainian or otherwise).
Thus, everyone who entered Bulgaria should decide whether they want to choose one of the following options:
- To reside on the territory of Bulgaria in a visa-free regime with a Ukrainian document, as follows: Ukrainian identity document, passport, birth certificate, others;
- To apply and register for temporary protection at the following points: see the map here: https://ukraine.gov.bg/issuance-of-temporary-protection/
- To apply for International Protection – this happens with the mobile teams of the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) and its relevant units, and it should be borne in mind that the procedure takes at least 3 months.
Temporary protection is granted for a period of 1 year. From the moment of its receipt, citizens have the following rights:
- access to health care – Emergency care; right to vaccination according to the specially prepared immunization calendar for children, consistent with that of Ukraine (vaccinations are made in each RHI); equal right with Bulgarian citizens to access medical care, if they are from vulnerable groups; health control and prevention;
- access to education – all children have access to school and kindergartens at the end of the vaccination cycle according to the Bulgarian calendar. The registration takes place in the respective RWU of the Ministry of Education and Science. An individual assessment of the educational needs when enrolling in the respective school / kindergarten is performed;
- access to the labor market – without additional permits, except for licensed professions, which require alignment with national requirements; access to the services of the Labor Offices – information about work, referral and others;
- opportunity to open your own bank account;
- access to legal aid;
- one-time social assistance in the amount of BGN 375, which is given to each person from the risk group;
- personal number of a foreigner;
- in case temporary protection status has not been requested at the border, Ukrainian citizens can subsequently apply in any of these places: https://ukraine.gov.bg/issuance-of-temporary-protection/#map
Temporary protection is group protection. It is provided on a collective basis – for all persons who come from a particular country, if there is a mass flight of people from that country as a result of civil or international war.
The EU Temporary Protection Directive (Article 19) empowers each Member State to provide in its national law whether, if a refugee is already under temporary protection, he or she can also apply for an individual assessment of the case in order to obtain international protection in the form of individual protection – refugee or humanitarian status.
In Bulgaria, it is not possible for persons under temporary protection to have a parallel procedure for individual assessment of their case for international protection (refugee status or humanitarian status). This rule has been introduced in the Bulgarian legislation – art. 68, para 1, para 2 of the Asylum and Refugees Act.
From March 14, 2022, the date of publication of Decision № 144 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria on granting temporary protection to persons displaced by the war in Ukraine, it enters into force and automatically covers all Ukrainian refugees arriving or staying in Bulgaria .
In order to benefit from this protection, refugees from Ukraine must apply for registration with the Bulgarian authorities and receive a document (registration card) confirming that they are persons with temporary protection. With the help of this document they will be able to identify themselves as persons under temporary protection before all state bodies, individuals and legal entities and to exercise the rights recognized by law.
To help refugees from Ukraine, the government has set up an organization to register and issue documents to Ukrainian refugees so that this can be done not only at the territorial offices of the State Agency for Refugees, but also before the police authorities at the place of residence.
If a refugee from the war in Ukraine wishes to submit an individual application for international protection (in the form of individual refugee status or individual humanitarian status), he or she can do so by contacting the State Agency for Refugees. However, this application will not be considered until the end of the one-year period of temporary protection already granted by the Bulgarian government, which expires on February 24, 2023. The European Commission has announced that this period can be extended to a total of 3 years.
At the “Dunav Bridge” and “Durankulak” border checkpoints, border control is carried out, documents are checked and it is possible to issue a document for immediate temporary protection status. First aid can be provided on site in case of medical needs of visitors. There is also a distribution point on site, where everyone can receive humanitarian aid, food, sanitary materials.
Transport (if necessary), accommodation, information and forms for various services are provided.
Due to the emergency situation, the entry of people fleeing the war in Ukraine is also allowed to those who:
- have an old passport format without biometric data:
- have an ID card;
- have a driver’s license;
- have a birth certificate – for children up to 14 years
- do not have any of these documents, but have other official documents that indicate their identity – for example: certificates, passes, diplomas, membership cards, bank cards, employment records, property documents and the like;
- have absolutely no documents – exceptionally and after an inspection by Border Police officers.
By law, every foreigner who enters Bulgaria must register with the police station at the place of residence within 3 days. However, the law does not impose any restrictions on address registration even after the expiration of these 3 days.
If a person stays in the hotel, his address registration is done by the hotel administration and the person does not have to do anything extra.
If a person lives in a private house – for rent, or with friends / relatives – the landlord must make an address registration. For this purpose, the owner of the dwelling, together with the persons accommodated by him, must submit an application to the police and have a document of ownership of real estate (notary deed). If the owner cannot contact the police, he can sign and notarize the declaration (the declaration form can be downloaded here). With this declaration and a copy of the document of ownership of real estate, people living in his house can contact the police and make their address registration.
The police issue an address card to a foreigner. The address registration can be changed by the same procedure an unlimited number of times when changing the place of residence. When changing the address, it is advisable to take the old address card to the police.
Hotline: 02 90 55 555 and +380 322 465 075
Here https://ukraine.gov.bg/bg/evacuation/ you will find out how to get help for evacuation from Ukraine
Crisis line of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Phone:+35929482404
crisis@mfa.bg
Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria
Hotline of the Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria – +359 878 015 102
Working hours: EVERY DAY FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM
People fleeing areas of military conflict seeking protection in other countries are extremely vulnerable to involvement in human trafficking and exploitation.
Human trafficking is a serious crime against people, a serious violation of human rights and abuse of human dignity.
Human trafficking always involves the exploitation of victims in various forms:
- sexual exploitation, including forced prostitution;
- forced / compulsory labor;
- slavery, forced obedience and similar practices;
- removal of organs;
- begging and other coercive criminal activities.
In Bulgaria, the use of services provided by victims of trafficking is a crime.
What to watch out for:
- Do not disclose your identity documents to anyone other than government officials.
- Do not show how much money you have and do not give your personal belongings, especially your mobile phone to others.
- Always inform your loved ones about where you are and keep in touch with them if possible.
- Be careful when arranging transport and accommodation.
- When you are offered a job, research the offer and in case of doubt, contact the authorities.
In case of risk, seek help and call the following telephone numbers:
- Single European Emergency Number: 112
- National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings: + 359 2 807 80 50
- National hotline against trafficking in human beings (Foundation Campaign A21 ): 0800 20 100
- Hotline (Executive Agency “General Labor Inspectorate”): 0700 17 670
- National telephone line for children (State Agency for Child Protection): 116 111
- Hotline for Victims of violence (Animus Association Foundation): 080018676; (+35929817686)
Registration for temporary protection – Ukrainian citizens and third country nationals coming from Ukraine
- Ukrainian citizens residing in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 and members of their families;
- Nationals of other third countries (other than Ukraine) and stateless people who have used their right to international protection or another equivalent type of national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022, and members of their families;
- Persons with foreign citizenship or statelessness who left the territory of Ukraine as a result of hostilities and entered and remained on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, if they explicitly state that they want to enjoy the status of temporary protection
The procedure takes 5 to 15 minutes and temporary protection is provided immediately Temporary protection is granted upon oral request to the Border Police, the State Agency for Refugees or other bodies of the Ministry of Interior (migration, police), to people who meet the conditions above.
- Right to stay on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
- Right to written information in plain language about the rules and conditions of temporary protection;
- If you are granted temporary protection, you receive:
– Right to registration card of a foreigner who has been granted temporary protection – for the term of protection;
– Right to reunite with one’s family;
– Right to work and professional training;
– The right to education for students and the right to access kindergarten for children under 6 years of age;
– The right to appropriate accommodation or means of accommodation if necessary;
– Right to assistance for accommodation and meals in accommodation places registered in the National Tourist Register, in the total amount of BGN 40 without VAT per person per night and food / breakfast, lunch and dinner /, incl. tourist tax, which is paid to the service provider. The aid will be provided for a period of up to 3 months. The same rights will have the persons who have expressed a desire to access the labor market in the country and this assistance will be provided for up to 1 month from the date of application. The period of validity of the program is expected to be from 24.02.2022 to 31.05.2022. - Right to social assistance;
- Right to medical care in emergencies
– People from vulnerable groups – children under 18, unaccompanied children, pregnant women, single parents with minors, the elderly and people with disabilities, serious health problems, mental disorders victims of trafficking or suffering torture, rape or other severe forms of violence – have the right to full medical care as Bulgarian citizens.
On the map below, you will be able to see all of the active places in Bulgaria where, you can apply and get a document for temporary protection, and find the closes one to you. The map is updated constantly with new places.
Since 15th of March 2022 the Bulgarian government started to roll-out a new system for registration for temporary protection of people displaced from Ukraine. New locations will be made available every day, along with the ongoing training of additional staff and deployment of new equipment. The prioritization of the roll-out is based on the number of displaced people from Ukraine currently accommodated in different places across the country, as well as on the statistics for the “hot spots” at border-crossing points and railway stations.
The map below will be updated on a daily basis to reflect the roll-out of all new registration offices for temporary protection.
The registration offices are featured in the BCRM Mapping System.
Medical information for people arriving from Ukraine, who have temporary protection status in Bulgaria
112 - EMERGENCY PHONE LINE
People, who have temporary protection in Bulgaria, from vulnerable groups use the necessary medical care under the conditions and by the order for the Bulgarian citizens.
People from the vulnerable groups are: minors, unaccompanied minors, people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, single parents with minor children, victims of human trafficking, people with serious health problems, people with mental disorders and people who have suffered torture, rape or other severe forms of mental, physical or sexual abuse.
The status for granted temporary protection is certified by a registration card of a foreigner, issued by the State Agency for Refugees (Art. 41, para. 1, item 5 of the LAR).
HIV is a human immunodeficiency virus that weakens the human immune system and makes it vulnerable to any infection that a healthy body can fight without a problem. HIV infection develops continuously and without symptoms. The final stage of HIV infection is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
The disease is transmitted from person to person. The virus is found in most body fluids of an infected person, but only the blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk contain enough viruses to infect them. HIV infection can occur through direct contact with any of these fluids in a person carrying the virus. There are three main ways of transmitting the infection: sexual, blood and vertical (from the mother to her child).
Anyone wishing to check their HIV status can do so in the Offices for anonymous and free consultation with RHI.
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets. It is caused by tuberculosis bacteria and mainly affects the respiratory system. Tuberculosis is a treatable disease. The treatment lasts a relatively long time – at least six months, and requires mandatory compliance with all recommendations of the doctor. Symptoms include: cough lasting more than 2 weeks, chest pain, sputum production, weakness or easy tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, night sweats.
The infection is transmitted by patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who secrete tuberculosis bacteria. People in close contact can become infected by breathing air containing these bacteria, sneezing, coughing or sputum from the patient. Particularly vulnerable to the close environment of the patients are children, the elderly over 65 and people with impaired defenses of the body (chronic stress, malnutrition, alcohol and drug addiction, HIV infection, concomitant chronic diseases and others.
There is a risk of disease in close contact with a person with tuberculosis of the respiratory tract, if you are not vaccinated against tuberculosis, spend a long time indoors with many people, the body’s resistance is weakened, you have alcohol and drug addiction, concomitant chronic diseases , you are a carrier of the HIV virus.
In crisis situations, these risks increase.
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is carried out in the regional medical institutions for diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.
Інфекція передається хворими на туберкульоз легень, які виділяють бактерії туберкульозу. Люди, які знаходяться в тісному контакті, можуть заразитися при вдиханні повітря, що містить ці бактерії, при чханні, кашлі або мокротинні пацієнта. Особливо вразливими до близького оточення хворих є діти, люди похилого віку старше 65 років та люди з порушеннями захисних сил організму (хронічний стрес, недоїдання, алкогольна та наркотична залежність, ВІЛ-інфекція, супутні хронічні захворювання та ін.
Існує ризик захворювання при тісному контакті з хворою на туберкульоз дихальних шляхів, якщо ви не щеплені від туберкульозу, тривалий час перебуваєте в приміщенні з великою кількістю людей, опірність організму ослаблена, у вас є супутня алкогольна та наркотична залежність. хронічні захворювання, ви є носієм вірусу ВІЛ.
У кризових ситуаціях ці ризики збільшуються.
Діагностика та лікування туберкульозу проводиться в обласних медичних установах з діагностики та лікування туберкульозу
Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus. Of the five different hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D and E), only B and C can become chronic, causing prolonged illness and severe liver damage. An expert estimate of 15 million people in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region is living with a chronic hepatitis B infection and 14 million are infected with hepatitis C. The main routes of transmission of these infections are three: sexual, blood and vertical (from the mother to her child). Tests for hepatitis B and hepatitis C are conducted in the laboratories of the RHI (Regional health inspection).
Vaccines against 11 acute infectious diseases of personal and public health are administered in Bulgaria. These include tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococci, measles, mumps and rubella.
Immunizations against these diseases are mandatory for all children in the country, and vaccines are administered according to the National Immunization Calendar.
Mandatory immunisations in the Republic of Bulgaria are similar to the immunizations applied in the Republic of Ukraine.
However, there are a few main differences:
- Immunisation against pneumococci is not applied in Ukraine;
- In Ukraine, live and killed polio vaccine is used, and in Bulgaria – only killed polio vaccine;
- In Ukraine, fewer pertussis vaccine doses are used;
- Fewer doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccine are used in Ukraine;
- In Ukraine, fewer hemophilus influenza vaccines are used.
These differences, as well as the fact that in recent years the immunization coverage against the listed diseases in both countries is below the required level of 95% to ensure that there will be no outbreaks and epidemics of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, necessitates all children with missing data or with incomplete immunization status to be vaccinated.
For this purpose, a doctor from the regional health inspectorate in the area where you and your child will reside or the general practitioner you choose for your child will prepare an individual immunization plan for the necessary immunizations by type of vaccine and number of doses. For this purpose it is necessary to bring all available medical documents certifying the vaccines given to your child so far.
Every child from Ukraine who has received temporary protection in the Republic of Bulgaria, certified by the received Personal Number of a foreigner, has the right to immunizations.
Immunizations are also needed to visit your child in a nursery, kindergarten or school, without which this is impossible.
I am a person registered for temporary protection. I have all the rights, like health insured person upon receipt of medical / dental care and medicines under line of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The term for which The Bulgarian state will provide me with health, if I wish, is:
If I am aged 18 to 60 years – 3 months;
If I am under the age of 18 and over 60 – for the period of residence in Bulgaria.
I have the right, as a health insured person, “to choose freely general practitioner (GP) in a primary outpatient facility medical care, concluded a contract with the NHIF, on the territory of the whole country.
If I am not happy with my general practitioner, I can choose another personal doctor doctor every calendar year in the period from 1st June until June 30 and December 1st to 31.
In cases where a permanent impossibility of the one chosen by me has been established general practitioner to provide primary outpatient care or medical treatment the institution where he works does not have a contract with RHIF, as well as in case of change of my current address is entitled to a new permanent choice, outside the specified deadlines, ie, at any time of the year.
The general practitioner (personal) doctor is obliged to provide me with medical care help from the date of election by including me in his patient list from that date.
I can also register on-line with the GP through the Personalized one information system (IPR) of the NHIF, provided that I have an electronic signature, to sign the registration form for choosing a personal doctor.
General practitioner selection forms can be downloaded from the site of the National Health Insurance Fund – menu “For the citizens” – link Registration forms for selection to a general practitioner ‘.
Information about general practitioners who have concluded a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund can be obtained make on the website of the National Health Insurance Fund – menu “Information on agreed activities” – link “Search for contractual partners and activities” – sub-link “General practitioners”.
The general practitioner has no right to refuse to include me in his register, if I have provided a registration form for permanent selection.
If I find it difficult to choose a general practitioner, I can turn to the Zion Health Insurance Fund (RHIF) at the place of residence.
The general practitioner may prescribe the necessary ones specialized medical-diagnostic examinations.
Highly specialized medical-diagnostic> tests (VSMDI) are appoint specialists from doctors,
Immunizations and immunizations of children are performed only by the general practitioner in accordance with the Immunization Calendar of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Medicinal products that GPs may prescribe
In case of a temporary election, the prescriptions are executed by the elected general practitioner.
The form for the initial selection of a personal physician can be downloaded here.
If you are changing the city or town where you live and therefore need to change your GP, you can do so by filling out a new form.
The form for temporary selection of a personal doctor can be downloaded here.
If the case is urgent, patients should turn to the structures of ambulance: emergency room in a medical institution or to the Ambulance on phone 112.
On July 25, the term of the health insurance, which is covered by the state, of persons who received temporary protection in Bulgaria before April 26, 2022, expires. For all Ukrainian citizens who entered the territory of the country after April 26, 2022, state aid for health insurance starts from the date of registration for temporary protection and lasts 90 days.
After that, the health insurance must be paid for by the persons with temporary protection themselves. Exceptions are children under 18 and adults – over 63 for women and over 65 for men.
Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection in Bulgaria have equal rights to health care with Bulgarian citizens. Those registered for temporary protection who entered the territory of Bulgaria before 26.04.2022 are considered to have health insurance from 26.04.2022.
Health insurance of Ukrainian citizens over 18 years old and under 63 for women and under 65 for men will be covered by the state for a period of 90 days from the date of temporary protection or from April 26 if temporary protection was issued before that date. For persons under 18 years of age and over 63 years of age for women and over 65 years of age for men, health insurance contributions will be at the expense of the state for the entire period of temporary protection.
On July 25, the term of the health insurance, which is covered by the state, of persons who received temporary protection in Bulgaria before April 26, 2022, expires. For all Ukrainian citizens who entered the territory of the country after April 26, 2022, state aid for health insurance starts from the date of registration for temporary protection and lasts 90 days.
After that, the health insurance must be paid for by the persons with temporary protection themselves. Exceptions are children under 18 and adults – over 63 for women and over 65 for men.
The amount of mandatory health insurance contributions for persons who are not registered as self-insured is BGN 28.40 per month.
The deadline for making these contributions is until the 25th of the month following the month to which they relate. If the payment is made late, interest is charged on the overdue obligations. For example, the health contribution for the month of August 2022 must be paid by September 25, 2022 at the latest.
All those who are required to pay their own health insurance contributions submit a Form 7 declaration to the NRA.It is submitted to the office of the revenue agency at a permanent address or electronically with a personal identification code of the NRA or an electronic signature, through the Portal for electronic services, by the 25th of the month following the month for which the obligation to submit health insurance contributions.
The health insurance rights of the citizens, who are provided at their own expense, are interrupted if more than three due monthly installments have not been paid. Citizens’ interrupted health insurance rights are restored on the condition that they pay all due health insurance contributions. Entitlements are reinstated from the date of payment of all due health insurance contributions for that period.
Citizens can check their health insurance status, as well as check the periods for which they lack health insurance contributions, through the electronic service of the NRA, which is freely accessible: https://portal.nra.bg/home.html#/goto:rep.HealthStatus.home
You can also inquire about your health status by calling 0700 18 700 (at a price according to the tariff of the relevant operator). The service is automatic and requires only the entry of the TIN/LNC via the phone’s keyboard. In addition, the system provides data for all months and years for which the mandatory health insurance contributions have not been paid. The telephone health status inquiry is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
For debts outstanding for more than one month, you should check the exact amount you need to pay to settle all debts, as interest is charged. You can check the amount you owe at the following address: https://nraapp02.nra.bg/web_interest/start_int.jsp
Below are the ways to pay for health insurance*
- In the NRA service salons without fees with debit and credit cards Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Discover, Diners club and Bcard through the installed physical POS terminals at the workplaces.
- Bank transfer. Insurance contributions under the Health Insurance Act are paid to the bank account for health insurance contributions of the competent TD of the NRA. View bank accounts.
- By registered mail.
- Through the NRA’s electronic service for paying taxes, social security contributions and public obligations over the Internet.
If the due health insurance contributions have been paid but have not yet been reflected in the system, you can ask the NRA office at your permanent address to issue you a certificate that you have continuous health insurance rights to serve before the health authorities. In order for this document to be issued to you, you must present the import notes to prove your health insurance contributions. This certificate gives you the opportunity to use free medical assistance for the relevant period.
When the employer or another person is obligated to pay the insurance contributions, failure to pay insurance contributions does not deprive the insured person of health insurance rights.
Information on the types of diseases included in the free package of health activities can be found here.
Education
Why and how should I enroll my child in a Bulgarian school?
Useful information for parents
- Applications for admission and education of children and students of preschool and school age from Ukraine in Bulgarian state and municipal kindergartens and schools are to be submitted to the 28 regional departments of education (RDEs) in the regional cities in the country.
- Applications are accepted at the RDE office or at the e-mail address indicated on the RDE website, to which the parent/guardian/custodian/representative of the child or student can submit an online application for admission in state and municipal kindergartens and schools.
- Visibly published on the website of the RDE are:
– sample application from the parent/guardian/trustee/representative of the child or student (Annex);
– telephone number of a RDE expert, fluent in English and/or Russian, who will provide additional information if necessary regarding the admission and education of children and students in state and municipal kindergartens and schools.
- The referral of children and students of preschool and school age from Ukraine for admission and education in state and municipal kindergartens and schools is to be carried out after:
– protection status has been granted;
– personal number of a foreigner (PNF) has been provided to the child or student, has been entered in the registration card of the parent/guardian/custodian/representative of the child or student, if the child or student is under 14 years of age, or respectively has been entered in a separate registration card – for students over 14 years of age.
- The enrollment of children and students of preschool and school age from Ukraine for education in state and municipal kindergartens and schools can be done after:
– the child or the student has been referred by the head of the RDE for admission and education in the respective kindergarten or school;
– a medical record of the child or student according to the requirements of the Ministry of Health has been submitted to the kindergarten or the school;
– an interview has been conducted and the child or student has been referred to a certain preschool group of compulsory preschool education or to a certain grade of school education, if the child or the student does not have a document for completed grade, stage or degree of education, according to Ordinance No. 3 of 06.04.2017 on the terms and conditions for admission and education of persons seeking or having been granted international protection (promulgated, SG, issue 32 of 21.04.2017)
- After enrolling the child or student in a certain group at the kindergarten or a certain class at the school, the principal is to provide:
– additional training in Bulgarian as a foreign language;
– psychological support, if necessary, as well as other activities for the general personal development support of the children and students studying in the respective kindergarten or school;
– additional personal development support, if necessary, of the children and students studying in the respective kindergarten or school, including resource support for children and students with special educational needs.
In order to assess the individual needs of children and students and to provide resource support to children and students with special educational needs, the principal of the kindergarten or school may seek assistance from the regional centers to support the process of inclusive education.
The Bulgarian e-education platform already has a Ukrainian “classroom”, especially for children from Ukraine.
Over 160 e-readable versions of textbooks up to 11th grade of one of the leading publishers of children’s and educational literature in Ukraine – “Morning”, are available today on the platform and can be used free of charge.
Access to textbooks in e-education does not require registration and is done quickly through a specially created page “For UKRAINE“.
The platform “е-просвета” is launching a Ukrainian “classroom”, especially made for children from Ukraine. As of today, over 160 e-readable versions of textbooks up to 11th grade in Ukrainian are available on the platform and can be used free of charge.
See the available textbooks here.
Access to the textbooks of one of the leading publishers of children’s and educational literature in Ukraine – “Ранок”. The initiative is jointly with the European Association of Textbook Publishers (EEPG) to support Ukrainian children and their families. Access to the textbooks in “е-просвета” does not require registration and is done quickly through a specially created page “For UKRAINE“.
All teachers and parents involved in the education of Ukrainian children can benefit free of charge and facilitate their work.
Since the beginning of March, Prosveta has been offering free educational books and textbooks for all children fleeing the war in Ukraine who enroll in Bulgarian kindergartens or schools this school year. In order to be ordered, it is necessary for a representative of the educational institution to send an email to za_mir@prosveta.bg or contact a representative of “Prosveta” for the respective field. Contacts HERE.
If you have any questions, you can contact them at prosvetaoffice@prosveta.bg.
Mondly provides its courses free of charge to all Ukrainians displaced in European countries. The application provides premium content for Ukrainians and offers courses in 25 European languages, including Bulgarian. To unlock free courses for Ukrainians, during registration Ukrainian must be set as a native language. The language learning app is available online, as well as a mobile app for iOS and Android.
Recognition is an official written confirmation of compliance of completed period, class, stage, completed school education and acquired professional qualification in a school in a foreign country or in a school of the European School system with those in school education in the Republic of Bulgaria. Recognition of documents issued by schools in foreign countries is a procedure in which for the recognition of grades I to VI documents are submitted to the principal of the selected school, and for grades VII to XII – in the nearest Regional Department of Education (RDE).
The documents recognising a completed class, stage or degree are:
1.An application in a form approved by an order of the Minister of Education and Science;
2.Document for school education and / or professional qualification;
3.A document stating what rights the document under item 2 gives for continuing education, in cases where this is not specified in the document under item 2;
4.In case the person wishes to continue his / her education in the first or second high school stage in a Bulgarian school – reference for the studied subjects with the number of hours and the grades, if they are not entered in the document under item 2;
5.Translation into Bulgarian of the documents under items 2, 3 and 4 by a sworn translator;
6.A document for the last completed class in a Bulgarian school (if any) before the training in a school of a foreign country, when the person wishes to recognise classes from VIII to XII inclusive;
7.Document for paid state fee – for documents submitted to the RDE.
The documents under items 5 and 7 shall be submitted in original, and the documents under items 2, 3, 4 and 6 – in original or copy, certified by a notary or by the school that issued the document.
Recognition is made for the purpose of:
- access to education in the system of pre-school and school education;
- access to vocational training;
- access to education in the higher education system;
- facilitating access to the labor market.
The documents items 2, 3 and 4 shall be legalized, translated and certified in accordance with the Convention on the Elimination of the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Acts, with the signed contracts between the Republic of Bulgaria and the country where they were issued or by the Regulations on Legalizations. , certifications and translations of documents and other papers, approved by Decree № 184 of the Council of Ministers of 1958 (SG, issue 73 of 1958), with the exception of documents issued by a school in the system of European schools, which are not are legalized, as well as for persons wishing to recognize classes I to IV inclusive.
Exceptions: Documents of persons seeking or receiving international protection may not be legalized and certified.
Recognition of higher education acquired in foreign higher education institutions, including higher education institutions in Ukraine, is carried out by different competent authorities depending on the purposes of the requested recognition.
For continuing education in Bulgaria after completing a period of study or obtaining a degree, raising qualifications or applying for a doctorate, the competent authority for recognition of foreign diplomas is the rector of the accredited Bulgarian higher education institution selected for this purpose.
The National Center for Information and Documentation (NACID) at the Ministry of Education and Science organises the procedure for academic recognition of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as the doctor’s degree and educational degree in order to facilitate market access to work in unregulated professions.
The necessary documents are the diploma of higher education and the appendix to it. They do not need certifications from Ukraine, but should be accompanied by a legalized translation into Bulgarian. The translator’s signature only needs notarization. More information about the academic recognition procedure itself can be found on the NACID website: https://nacid.bg/.
The exercise of a regulated profession in Bulgaria requires recognition by the relevant competent authority. Examples of regulated professions in the healthcare sector are: doctor, dentist, midwife, nurse, rehabilitator, etc .; from the maritime transport sector are: navigator, ship mechanic, ship electrician, etc. The full list of regulated professions in Bulgaria by categories, as well as the contacts of the competent authorities for each profession can be found on the NACID website: http://professio.nacid.bg/?id=32.
Ukrainian student candidates who meet the conditions for applying under PMS No. 103/1993 – they apply according to the general order of the decree.
- Up to 1,000 of those proposed under Art. 4, para. 1 of PMS No. 103/1993 places are designated for admission of candidates of Bulgarian nationality from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
- Candidates of Bulgarian nationality from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova apply in a simplified manner – only by documents (without taking a general education or specialized test) in all possible ways – by registering on the platform, by sending the documents by electronic means, mail, courier or presentation them in the MES.
- Candidates of Bulgarian nationality from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have the right to apply according to PMS No. 103/1993 without interruption throughout the entire time from the beginning of the campaign until September 2022.
Ukrainian student candidates who do not meet the conditions for application under PMS No. 103/1993.
According to the current regulations, this category of persons apply for study in Bulgarian higher education institutions as foreign citizens and pay higher tuition fees compared to Bulgarian citizens. No relief is provided for them.
The order and conditions for the admission of foreigners as students in Bulgarian higher education institutions are regulated in the Ordinance on the State Requirements for Admission of Students to the Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted by PMS No. 79 of 2000, amended and supplemented, No. 47/ 06/05/2018). Candidate-students for training to acquire a bachelor’s or master’s degree after completing secondary education and a master’s degree after completing a bachelor’s degree must submit their documents to the higher education institution of their choice within the time limit specified in the regulations of the higher school. Foreigners submit the following documents:
- Form or application with brief biographical data, as well as the desired higher schools and majors;
- A copy of the document for completed secondary education and the appendix with grades (when it is a Bulgarian diploma) or a corresponding certificate for the recognition of secondary education acquired in a school in a foreign country – for applicants for a full term of study;
- A copy of the document for completed higher education with a degree corresponding to the “bachelor’s” or “master’s” educational-qualification degree – for candidates for master’s degree studies;
- A document issued by a competent state authority certifying the applicant’s right to continue his studies in the higher education institutions of the country in which the secondary education was obtained;
- Academic reference – for students applying for part-time studies;
- Document for proficiency in the Bulgarian language, issued by a higher school in the Republic of Bulgaria – for candidates who will not undergo language and specialized training;
- Two photos.
The documents under items 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 must be certified, translated and legalized in accordance with the provisions of international agreements between the Republic of Bulgaria and the country in which they were issued, and in the absence of such – according to the general procedure for certification , translations and legalizations.
Recognition of the conformity of completed periods or stages and degrees of school education in schools of a foreign country with those in school education in the Republic of Bulgaria, for the purpose of access to education in the higher education system, is carried out in accordance with the provisions of Art. 165, para 1 and para. 3, item 3 of the Preschool and School Education Act and of Art. 106 para. 1 and Art. 107, para. 1 of Ordinance No. 11 of 01.09.2016 for evaluating the results of students’ training.
The decision to approve the candidates is taken by the higher education institution, which sends their documents to the Ministry of Education and Science, with a view to implementing the procedure for issuing long-term residence visas – visa type “D”, in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance on the conditions and the procedure for issuing visas and determining the visa regime. Admission is based on documents and is in accordance with the normative provision of Art. 15, para. 2 of the cited regulation, regulating the minimum average success in subjects from the person’s completed secondary education document, which are profiling for the specialty for which he is applying.
The deadline for the submission of documents to the Ministry of Education and Science for candidates to study in the educational qualification degrees “Bachelor”, “Master” and “Professional Bachelor” after completing secondary education is October 1 for the first semester and no later than February 1 for the second semester in the year of application.
When the documents meet the requirements, the Ministry of Education and Science issues a Certificate of Acceptance of the candidate students for study in the Republic of Bulgaria and notifies in writing the “Consular Relations” Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the “Migration” Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of this.
Ukrainian students who are studying in Ukrainian higher education institutions and want to transfer to Bulgarian higher education institutions
A draft act of the Council of Ministers has been prepared, which will regulate the transfer of Ukrainian students studying in Ukrainian higher education institutions to Bulgarian higher education institutions, and it will be possible to cover the persons who cannot present documents certifying the training carried out so far in Ukraine (except for regulated specialties). 2 options for solving the problem will be foreseen – the Bulgarian higher education institution should contact the Ukrainian one in order to obtain information about the results of the candidate’s studies, and when it fails to proceed to the formation of a committee within the higher education institution, which will carry out interview with the candidates and, upon consideration, accept them for training, but on the condition that at the time of graduation, the persons should present all the required documents, according to the Ordinance on the state requirements for the recognition of acquired higher education and of completed periods of study in foreign higher schools . If the persons are unable to provide the documents required by the Ordinance, it is possible to issue an academic certificate for their studies at the Bulgarian higher education institution, which they can provide to the higher education institution in Ukraine in order to continue their studies at the Ukrainian higher education institution and graduate there.
Employment in Bulgaria
Ukrainians and members of their families with the right to temporary protection under Art. 1a, para. 3 of the Asylum and Refugees Act have the right to work in our country without a permit for access to the labor market. Persons with temporary protection status can register as jobseekers with the Labor Office Directorate at their permanent or current address.
Citizens of Ukraine can gain access to the Bulgarian labor market in order to work under the following simplified procedures:
The employment of people who have the necessary documents certifying Bulgarian origin is regulated by registration with the Employment Agency. They must also have an employment contract with a local employer for a period of at least 6 months.
Ukrainian citizens have the right to seasonal work of up to 90 days in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, hotels and restaurants in Bulgaria without interruption for 12 months. For this purpose, registration with the Employment Agency is required on the basis of a declaration submitted by the employer.
Ukrainian citizens who have applied for international protection and the proceedings have not been completed within three months of submitting the application for reasons beyond their control have the right to work in Bulgaria without a work permit until the procedure is completed. The declaration of employment of Ukrainians enjoying rights under the Asylum and Refugees Act is made by the local employer who has hired them under an employment contract.
Ukrainians and members of their families granted asylum or international protection in Bulgaria have the right to work in Bulgaria without a permit to access the labor market. Persons with refugee or humanitarian status can register as jobseekers with the Labor Office at their permanent or current address.
София Инвест създаде платформа Jobs in Sofia, за да подкрепи хората, които бягат от войната в Украйна и искат да намерят сигурност и работа в София и България. На тази страница работодателите могат да предложат свободните позиции в своите фирми, а кандидатите за работа да получат нужната информация. Платформата Jobs in Sofia е на български, украински и английски език.
Платформата дава възможност, от една страна, търсещите работа да попълнят данни за себе си и професионалния си опит, а от друга, работодателите да обявят своите нужди от кадри. Кандидатстването за работа е директно през платформата, като гражданите от Украйна трябва да попълнят онлайн формуляр, в който на украински език да запишат данните си – име, професия, каква работа търсят, каква специалност имат. Работодателите получават тази информация преведена, съответно на български или на английски език след регистрация и одобрение на профила от страна на София Инвест Груп.
The Employment Agency has launched the implementation of the Solidarity project, funded through the Operational Program “Human Resources Development” 2014-2020. It will provide timely support for the rapid labor integration of displaced persons from Ukraine with guaranteed access to the labor market, who arrived in Bulgaria after February 24, 2022.
By joining the project, Ukrainian citizens will have the opportunity to:
receiving psychological support, vocational guidance, employment counseling and motivation to start work;
inclusion in subsidized full-time or part-time employment on the basis of a minimum wage for a period of up to 3 months;
receiving support in the workplace through a mentor provided by the employer;
receiving an integration supplement, including rental costs, overheads and internet in the amount of BGN 356.00 per month for a period of up to 3 months.
The Employment Agency, through an electronic form, conducts a survey of the needs and attitude of citizens arriving from Ukraine to work here in Bulgaria.
The electronic form can be filled in any language using the Google toolkit. For your convenience, a short instruction is also published.
Interest for employment and assistance for job seekers can be submited in the electronic form here.
Housing
On March 10, 2022, the Bulgarian government adopted an act approving a humanitarian aid program for refugees displaced in Bulgaria from the war in Ukraine. Funds for humanitarian aid are provided for in the state budget.
Humanitarian aid is provided to those Ukrainian refugees who have decided to take advantage of the temporary protection introduced by the EU on the territory of the Bulgarian state, have registered and received the necessary document: “registration card of a foreigner with temporary protection granted” (see here) .
Humanitarian aid includes accommodation and food.
The first stage of the Humanitarian Aid Program started on February 24, 2022 and was extended until May 31, 2022. Subsidies were paid to owners of hotels and other tourist sites registered in the National Tourist Register through the Unified Tourism Information System and were set at total value BGN 40 without VAT per person for overnight stay and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), incl. tourist tax. Transport of Ukrainian refugees from the Bulgarian border crossing to the place of accommodation was also provided, which could be arranged by the hotel owner or from a state or municipal base or rest station. The aid is used to accommodate a minimum of 2 people in a double room and no more than 3 people, except for large families.
From June 1, 2022, the second stage of this program will start, and the accommodation and food of the Ukrainian refugees will be provided in state rest centers and points designated by the Bulgarian government at a lower daily price. Accommodation and meals after June 1, 2022 may also be available in some hotels and other tourist sites that have accepted the new conditions of their financial compensation. The list of hotels that continue to accommodate displaced persons from Ukraine for free after June 1, 2022 is here.
Humanitarian aid provided in the second phase from 1 June to 31 August 2022 may include accommodation only or accommodation and food. This depends on the type of service that the hotel or tourist site declared when they agreed to continue participating in the second phase of the Humanitarian Aid Programme. Depending on the type of service, the help paid from the budget can be:
for overnight stay and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) BGN 15 in total. without VAT, or BGN 16.35. with VAT 9% for categorical ranking and BGN 18.00. with VAT at the rate of 20% for uncategorized housing.
for accommodation without meals with an additional payment of BGN 10.00. without VAT, respectively BGN 10.90. at 9% for categorized accommodation and BGN 12.00 with VAT at the rate of 20% for uncategorized housing.
In the second phase of the Humanitarian Aid Programme, accommodation provides:
minimum necessary means for personal hygiene
cleaning products so that the accommodated refugees can clean their own rooms
detergents and access to a self-service washer and dryer
it is possible to place extra beds (with meals included)
cleaning of the rooms is not provided
laundry services are not provided
individual serving of food is not foreseen
In the second phase of the Humanitarian Aid Programme, the food must meet the following requirements:
three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
minimum generally accepted standards for feeding infants and children
minimum generally accepted nutritional norms for persons over 18 years of age
in sites where only housing is provided, food or hot food will be provided under other humanitarian aid programs.
When leaving the place of residence, even for a day, the hotel or tourist site is required by law to immediately remove the resident from the address register.
Resorts, hotels and other tourist sites cannot book accommodation for a person who leaves the site, regardless of the length of their absence.
Those who have found work are entitled to humanitarian aid for accommodation up to 1 month from the day they actually start working (not from the day the employment contract is signed). After the end of this first month and receipt of the first salary, the workers are obliged to pay for overnight stays in the respective base, hotel or tourist site where they are accommodated. Family members of working persons (wives, children), as well as relatives with whom they live in shared accommodation and do not work, will continue to receive humanitarian aid, and their accommodation will be paid for from the state budget.
For people who have found work and started working, the Bulgarian government has introduced additional incentives for integration. From June 6, 2022, workers with temporary protection will be entitled to an additional 3 months of financial assistance in the amount of BGN 365 per month for rent and overhead costs (electricity, heating, water, internet). Registration and submission of an application for receiving such assistance by working persons is carried out in person at the Labor Bureau at the place of residence. A list of Labor Offices by locality can be found here.
An additional integration incentive for hiring immigrants from Ukraine is also available to their future employers. If the employer hires a person with temporary protection who is registered with the Labor Bureau as a job seeker, the employer will be entitled to receive part of the labor remuneration in the amount of BGN 710 per month (the minimum wage for Bulgaria) for the period of subsidized employment, as well as the amount of social and medical insurance that the employer pays and that he must contribute to the state budget. The employer can apply for such assistance electronically here.
People who have their own financial capabilities can enter into a leasing contract without restrictions. It does not need to be notarized, but it is sufficient to be drawn up in a simple written form and signed by the lessor and the lessee.
If there are several tenants, it is recommended that all of them are described in the contract as tenants with the right to use the property.
Tenants do not pay property rent tax, the tax is paid by the landlord.
The landlord must complete, sign and notarize the declaration in order for the tenants to change the address registration with the police and register at the new current address.
When using the services of a real estate agency or broker to search for housing when entering into a rental agreement, you will have to pay that agency a commission.
Information on bank accounts and bank cards
The legislation allows Ukrainian citizens to open a bank account for basic operations. This account is opened in BGN and through it many payment operations can be performed – deposit, cash withdrawal at a cash desk or ATM, transfers, including online. According to the law, banks offer payment services on this account free of charge or for a reasonable fee, regardless of the number of services provided through the account. Ukrainian citizens can use their Visa or MasterCard debit and credit cards within the daily limit set by Ukrainian banks and up to the guarantee limit for the specific card.
Restoring family links for members of separated families
Restoration of family links for members of separated families, applications are accepted at tracing@redcross.bg and by phone +359 88 400 73 63, including via WhatsApp and Viber.
It is necessary to fill in a form that gives the Bulgarian Red Cross essential information about your general marital status and the missing relative, so that they conduct an adequate search in or outside Bulgaria. All information you share with the BRC is strictly confidential, unless otherwise stated.
Social assistance
If you have temporary protection status, you can apply for a one-off grant.
The aid is in the amount of up to BGN 375 and is granted to a family (one-member or with several members).
Contact the Directorate of Social Assistance at the address of residence (e.g. hotel). You can find the address, contact phone number and email address of the “Social Assistance” Directorate by place of residence at the following link:
https://asp.government.bg/bg/kontakti/territorialni-strukturi
You must present for reference the Registration Card of a foreigner granted temporary protection, your identity document from your country of origin and the Address Card of a foreigner (issued to you by the Migration Directorate of the Regional Office of the Ministry of the Interior or by the hotel where you are staying) . The documents are presented for reference.
An application is filled out, in which data is declared about you and your family members.
Within 27 days after submitting the application, you will be notified whether you have been granted the one-off aid.
You can receive aid granted at a post office serving the address where you live, or to a personal Bulgarian bank account.
If you are accommodated in a hotel and the costs of your stay there are paid by the Bulgarian state, there is no obstacle to applying for one-time social assistance.
In order to be able to use the services of the Social Assistance Agency, you must:
you have a valid identity document issued by the Bulgarian authorities
you are registered at your current address by the municipal administration in the town where you have settled
to contact the “Social Assistance” Directorate at your current address
Categories
You must have the status of asylum, refugee, humanitarian status, temporary protection, long-term or permanent residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria.
If you have dual citizenship, one of which is Bulgarian, you can enjoy your social protection rights like Bulgarian citizens.
You can find the address, contact phone number and e-mail address of the Social Assistance Directorate at your current address at the following link: https://asp.government.bg/bg/kontakti/territorialni-strukturi
Welfare
one-time social assistance in the amount of up to BGN 375;
one-time social assistance for issuing an identity card;
monthly social assistance;
targeted assistance for heating (submission period from 1 July to 31 October)
If you wish, you can submit an application for the use of social services in the “Social Assistance” Directorate. In the Directorates, you will be provided with complete information about the types of appropriate social services, the terms and conditions for their use.
Stateless persons and persons seeking protection, as well as homeless persons and persons who, due to health and/or mental problems, cannot for objective reasons certify a current address, are directed by the DSP to their place of residence.
In case you wish to use social services, you must:
Submit an application to the “Social Assistance” Directorate by place of residence.
In due course, you will be prepared with a Preliminary Needs Assessment, with the aim of directing you to a social service.
Social services will provide you with:
temporary shelter;
informing and consulting;
advocacy and mediation;
therapy and rehabilitation;
day care and residential care.
Suitable social services in the sense of the Bulgarian legislation, in which you will receive support are Crisis Centers, Day Care Centers, Centers for Social Rehabilitation and Integration, Community Support Centers, Mother and Baby Unit and Homes for the elderly.
Travel abroad
Ukrainian refugees with biometric passports can travel to other European countries and stay there for 90 days. On this basis, they can choose the EU country in which they can enjoy their temporary protection rights and join their family and friends in the Member State in which they are located.
Ukrainian refugees granted temporary protection who do not have a biometric passport that allows them to travel to Europe without a visa are entitled to a visa facilitation if they wish to continue living in another country.
If you have entered the EU through Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland, which are not part of the Schengen Free Movement without border controls, you will have the right to travel to other EU countries, but your documents will be re-checked in the first EU country. EU, which is part of the Schengen area – for example, if you cross the border between Romania and Hungary. Keep in mind that Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not EU countries, but Schengen countries. You can travel to these countries once you enter the Schengen area, but your temporary protection rights may differ from those in the EU.
Once you have entered a country that is part of the Schengen area, you can generally move without border control to other countries that are part of the Schengen area. However, you can only do this for 90 days in 180 days (6 months).
Although Denmark is an EU and Schengen country, it does not participate in the temporary protection scheme and does not apply EU asylum rules. Therefore, your rights related to international or temporary protection in Denmark may differ from those you have in other EU countries.
If you register and receive temporary protection in Bulgaria while you still have the right to travel without a visa to the EU for 90 days within a 180-day period, only Bulgaria will be obliged to grant you the rights arising from temporary protection. However, Bulgaria has the right to decide to extend your rights, including the right to obtain a Bulgarian travel document abroad, which will allow you to travel without a visa.
The EU has instructed that refugees from Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection in one European country but have subsequently moved to another European country must obtain a new permit and a document from a person under temporary protection. In these cases, the first temporary protection document issued is subject to destruction.
Blue Dot centers are safe spaces for protection and basic services that are being opened up in countries hosting refugees from Ukraine. They provide information, legal advice, psychosocial support, identification and referral to services for children, women, families and other groups at particular increased risk while fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The Blue Dot Centers complement the support of national governments and are organized in coordination with government authorities and other partners on key transit routes and destinations to help children and families in need.
Bulgaria Red Cross Headquarters Sofia
76 James Bouchier Blvd
Central Railway Station
102 Knaginya Mariya Luisa Blvd
Border Checkpoint Durankulak
BRC Varna
3 Bratya Shkorpil str
