Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR) and partner organizations sent an official position to the Committee on Internal Security and Public Order at the National Assembly in connection with a draft amendment to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (ZCHRB).

The Problem: The proposed bill excludes persons with temporary protection from the Single Residence and Work Permit procedure without providing a clear transition mechanism.

Lack of procedure: Under the current rules, people are forced to first renounce their temporary protection in order to apply for another status. This places them in a legal vacuum — without legal residence and without the right to work for the entire period of application processing.

Risk for business and integration: The lack of a smooth transition threatens over 14,000 Ukrainian citizens working in our country and creates administrative difficulties for Bulgarian employers.

The proposed solution: The organizations insist that an explicit transition procedure be regulated between the first and second readings of the ZCHRB. It must ensure that persons retain their right of residence and work while awaiting a decision on their new application.