The Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Representation in Bulgaria, launched a new online platform for refugee employment. The tool aims to bridge the gap between refugees and employers while fostering independent and refugee economic empowerment, and is a response to the continuing increase in refugee applications in Bulgaria.

In December 2023, the country hosted approximately 70 000 people displaced from Ukraine, and about 22 000 asylum seekers from other countries - mainly Syria and Afghanistan.

The platform is available in Bulgarian, English, Ukrainian, Russian, French, Arabic, Farsi and Pashtu.

'Economic empowerment through employment is vital for refugees, providing not only a source of income, but also promoting empowerment and independence', said Seda Kuzucu, UNHCR representative in Bulgaria. “The refugee employment platform will enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity while making a positive contribution to their host community.'

In addition, the platform offers tips for creating a CV, entrepreneurship in Bulgaria, learning the Bulgarian language, and information about employment in Bulgaria and workers’ rights.