The Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR) held its first specialized Job Fair for Refugees and Migrants on October 30, 2025, at the "Krasno Selo" Municipal Cultural Institute in Sofia.

The Job Fair was held as part of the project “Access Address: The Path to Social Inclusion in Sofia,” implemented by FAR in partnership with the "Krasno Selo," "Vrabnitsa," and "Novi Iskar" districts, with the financial support of the Sofia Municipality's Europe 2025 Program.

It was a challenge and a pleasure for us to welcome over 100 participants.

At the beginning of the event, we presented the legal aspects of employment for refugees and migrants in Bulgaria—the types of residence statuses, as well as the opportunities and requirements for employers when hiring foreigners.

Lawyers from the FAR team provided individual consultations, answering specific questions related to labor and immigration legislation, while our mediators, translators, and volunteers helped ensure effective communication.

Fifteen employers from various sectors—construction, manufacturing, landscaping and ecological activities, transport and logistics, telecommunications and customer service, hospitality and catering, and others—took part in the Job Fair. Over 150 job vacancies were offered, accessible to candidates with different experience and qualifications.

Job-seeking refugees and migrants from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Congo, and Burkina Faso came with the belief that they could start a new life here in Bulgaria. Each of them carried their story, skills, and a dream for security and dignified work.

The meetings with employers at the fair took place in an open and positive atmosphere; numerous new contacts were established, and many of the conversations continued in the following days with interviews and concrete job offers, leading to the conclusion of employment contracts.

The successful event gives us confidence and motivation to continue our work in this direction through subsequent initiatives aimed at promoting labor integration and the sustainable inclusion of refugees and migrants in public and economic life.

Project “Address for Access: The Path to Social Inclusion in Sofia,” implemented with the financial support of Sofia Municipality – “Europe” Programme 2025 by the Foundation for Access to Rights – FAR, in partnership with Vrubnitsa District, Krasno Selo District, and Novi Iskar District. The content of this publication reflects solely the views of the author and does not in any way represent the official position of Sofia Municipality.