12.05.2022
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYERS TO HIRE UKRAINIAN CITIZENS?
Undoubtedly, the war in Ukraine had its economic and social impact on all European countries. In social terms, the influx of people fleeing the war has necessitated the adoption of swift and adequate measures by EU member states, which have expressed their solidarity and highlighted the role of civil society in helping Ukrainian citizens. As part of this unified policy, the Bulgarian state has also adopted relaxed measures for access to the labor market for Ukrainian citizens in order to respond appropriately to the new workforce flowing into the country.
The measures adopted for access to the labor market of Ukrainian citizens include several procedures, some of which we will discuss in more detail in this article. Ukrainian citizens can stay without a visa in Bulgaria for 90 days, during which time they can apply for temporary protection for one year or for international protection.
Temporary protection
By Decision № 144 of the Council of Ministers of March 10, 2022, temporary protection of Ukrainian citizens was introduced for a period of 1 year, as of February 24, 2022, and may be extended if necessary twice by 6 months, ie. e. until February 24, 2024.
Temporary protection may be granted to the following persons:
- Ukrainian citizens residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and members of their families
- Stateless persons or third-country nationals other than Ukraine who have been granted international protection or other equivalent protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and members of their families
- Stateless persons or third-country nationals other than Ukraine who can prove that they resided legally in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 on the basis of a valid permanent residence permit issued in accordance with Ukrainian law and cannot to return permanently to their country or region of origin under safe conditions.
The regime for granting temporary protection is registration, and is carried out personally by the person who wishes to receive temporary protection. The person is issued a registration card for temporary protection with a personal number of a foreigner (PIN). Receiving temporary protection of persons entitles them to remain in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for the duration of the temporary protection, to work legally in the Republic of Bulgaria, for social assistance, free medical care and others.
Persons with temporary protection status can register as jobseekers with the Labor Office Directorate at their permanent or current address.
Work of Ukrainian citizens with a Bulgarian employer with temporary protection
Citizens who have been granted temporary protection have the right to be employed on a labor contract with a Bulgarian employer, and the rules of the Bulgarian labor and social security legislation apply to them. In addition to the necessary documents for starting work, individuals should also present their identity document from the country of origin, as well as the registration card for temporary protection.
International protection
Ukrainian citizens can apply for international protection and receive refugee or humanitarian status in Bulgaria when they are persecuted or when their lives or safety are threatened. The process of granting international protection is considerably longer and more complex, requiring a thorough examination of documents, and the procedure may end in refusal or granting of status (humanitarian or refugee).
During the proceedings for international protection the foreigner has the right: to remain on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; to move within the defined zone on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; of shelter and food; of social assistance in the order and in the amount determined for the Bulgarian citizens; of health insurance, of affordable medical care and of free use of medical care under the conditions and by the order for the Bulgarian citizens, etc.
With granted humanitarian status (as is usual for Ukrainian citizens), the foreigner has the right to issue a card to a foreigner with humanitarian status, which is valid for 3 years, the rights and obligations of a foreigner with a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria, which include the right of: work without special permission, education in public schools and universities, etc.
Work of Ukrainian citizens with a Bulgarian employer with international protection
Employers should keep in mind that persons in the process of being granted international protection do not have the right to access the labor market and therefore cannot be employed by them. However, in case the procedure for granting international protection is not completed within three months from the submission of the application due to reasons beyond their control, they have the right to work in Bulgaria without a work permit until the end of the procedure. The employer has an obligation to declare the employment of Ukrainians enjoying rights under the Asylum and Refugees Act.
Ukrainians and members of their families with international protection in Bulgaria have the right to work in our country without permission to access the labor market. Persons with refugee or humanitarian status can register as jobseekers with the Labor Office at their permanent or current address.
Additionally, Ukrainian citizens have the right to reduced conditions for access to the labor market in the presence of Bulgarian documents proving Bulgarian origin, as well as the right to seasonal work up to 90 days in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, hotels and restaurants in Bulgaria without interruption at 12 months.
Employers wishing to hire new employees, incl. Citizens who have left Ukraine have the opportunity to apply electronically for vacancies using one of the following opportunities provided by the Employment Agency, namely:
The measures taken by the state can be defined as those on the one hand in line with the common policy introduced by the EU in support of Ukrainian citizens, and on the other hand aimed at facilitating employers in hiring and meeting the need for labor in certain sectors of the economy.
