Sofia, Bulgaria – The Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR), in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is today announcing the launch of the Refugee Employment Platform in Bulgaria. This innovative platform aims to connect refugees with employers, fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment within refugee communities in the country.
In recent years, Bulgaria has become an important host to refugees, especially from Ukraine, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. As of December 2023, 67,769 Ukrainian refugees were registered for temporary protection and more than 22,000 had applied for asylum last year, mostly Syrian and Afghan.
The refugee population in Bulgaria presents an opportunity for both refugees and employers. Refugees possess a wealth of diverse skills, experiences, and talents that can significantly enrich local workforces and drive economic growth. By facilitating refugee access to employment opportunities, the Refugee Employment Platform strives to unlock their potential, promoting inclusive development and social cohesion across Bulgaria.
"Economic empowerment through employment is vital for refugees, providing not only a source of income but also fostering empowerment and self-reliance," said Seda Kuzucu, UNHCR Representative in Bulgaria. "The Refugee Employment Platform will enable refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity while making positive contributions to their host communities."
Refugee entrepreneurs and workers inject fresh perspectives, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit into local economies. By supporting refugee entrepreneurship and employment, the platform is poised to stimulate innovation and creativity, contributing to economic growth and prosperity.
"The Refugee Employment Platform offers a vital resource for employers seeking to fill workforce gaps while providing refugees with meaningful employment opportunities,” said Valeria Ilareva, Founder of FAR. “By facilitating connections between employers and refugee workers, the platform fosters integration and bridges cultural divides, fostering a more inclusive society."
With the employment platform, FAR and UNHCR will match hundreds of refugees with employers and provide valuable insights into the administrative and legal aspects of employment in Bulgaria. The platform will serve as a bridge, facilitating the publication and promotion of job offers while enabling job seekers to access employment opportunities seamlessly.
Employers and refugees alike are encouraged to explore the opportunities offered by the Refugee Employment Platform by visiting employment.refugeelight.bg.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
For FAR:
Ildiko Otova
Communications Officer
+359887385559
Nadya Denkova
Employment and Services Mapping Officer
+359884160969
For UNHCR:
Boris Cheshirkov
Associate External Relations Officer
+359 878 507 041
Marieta Ivanova
Communications Associate
+359 878 865 431
About UNHCR:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We work in over 130 countries, protecting millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights, and helping them build a better future.
About FAR:
FAR is a Bulgarian civil society organisation working to ensure practical access to rights and prevent arbitrary deprivation of rights of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and migrants. FAR offers crucial legal assistance and case management, advocates for legal and policy changes, and promotes human rights in Bulgaria.
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