The Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Armenia signed an agreement on the regulation of labour migration on 12 February 2018, which was published in the Bulgarian State Gazette on 30 October 2018. The agreement helps to facilitate labour migration between the two countries.

Under the agreement, two categories of workers with either Bulgarian or Armenian citizenship will not be required to obtain a work permit if they have a labour contract and residence permit in the other country:

1. Workers for an initial period of up to one year and with the possibility of extension for up to three years
2. Seasonal workers for up to nine months a year

The agreement also designates the Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in Bulgaria and the State Employment Agency of Armenia as ‘competent institutions’ for the recruitment of workers. The agencies will:

• Exchange information on job offers
• Select potential workers in two stages: pre-selection based on documents and final selection of candidates approved by employers
• Assist in preparing and signing of employment contracts
• Provide workers with all necessary information in the official language of the sending country concerning the conditions of residence, work, housing and return

The countries provide the following motivations for the agreement:

• Conviction that labour migration mutually benefits their people and can contribute to economic and social development, facilitate cultural diversity and promote technological exchange.
• Recognition of the need to respect the rights, obligations and guarantees under national laws and relevant international agreements.
• Intent to deepen cooperation and friendship in the context of foreign and migration policies.