Counter-Trafficking

Since 1999, the IOM mission in Bulgaria has been developing programs for anti-trafficking, which include prevention, victim protection and capacity-building of institutions. IOM Bulgaria has successfully completed a CT project under the First Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation programme (2015-2018) and will continue to provide this specific support under the Second SBCP (2025-2029).

To date, IOM has helped over 2000 Bulgarian victims of human trafficking. Between 2021 and 2023, 54 Bulgarians have received support from IOM, including help for return to Bulgaria and reintegration. Information campaigns for migrants and refugees were also carried out, concerning the risks and protection measures associated with smuggling and trafficking in human beings.

IOM’s counter-trafficking team provides professional assistance to victims of trafficking in persons using a comprehensive approach that respects the human rights and well-being of the victim. We also work in partnership with governmental agencies and other non-governmental organisations to strengthen the national capacity in counter-trafficking through institutional capacity development and partnerships.

Target Groups

The target groups of our work in against traffic in human beings includes:

• Bulgarian citizens, who have been identified as victims of trafficking in human beings outside the borders of Republic of Bulgaria. Bulgarian citizens identified as victims within the country could also be supported.

• Foreign citizens, who have been identified as victims of trafficking in human beings in the territory of Republic of Bulgaria.

Our Services

Services provided include, but are not limited to:

• Return assistance to the country of origin of the identified victims of human trafficking.

• Reintegration assistance for the victims of trafficking after their return to help them achieve sustainable reintegration.

• Counselling and information provision.

• Legal counselling.

• Psychological counselling.

• Need and risk assessment.

• Safe and secure transportation to final destination.

• Medical care.

• Social assistance.

• Employment counselling.

• Vocational training and school insertion.

• Monitoring and follow-up of victims.

• Other consultations and services according to the specific needs of the victims.

Contact our Counter-Trafficking Team

You can contact our counter-trafficking team via telephone at  +359 (2) 93-94-733 and via e-mail at iomsofiaops@iom.int. The team is located at the IOM office at Tzar Asen № 77 str. Sofia 1463.