On November 22, 2023, IOM Georgia marked the ending of the "Awareness Raising for Labour Mobility in Bulgaria" project with a closing event. Supported by the National Program of the Republic of Bulgaria Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund 2014-2020, co-funded by the European Union, this initiative was jointly implemented by IOM Missions in Bulgaria, Armenia, Moldova, and Georgia. The project aimed to enhance the safety and management of labour mobility from Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova to Bulgaria.

Key participants in this event included Giorgi Bunturi, Head of the Labour Migration Division of the Ministry of IDPs, Labour Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, who delivered an opening speech on labour migration collaboration between Bulgaria and Georgia. Sanja Lukovac, Chief of Mission at IOM Georgia, served as the event's opener and moderator.

Presentations featured insights from Maria Kasarova, a legal expert from Bulgaria who has lead a number of information sessions on Bulgaria's working legislation and conditions. Martin Stoyanov, Chief Expert in International Projects at the Bulgarian Industrial Association, provided up-to-date information on workforce needs in various sectors in Bulgaria. Veselin Valkanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Georgia, stressed the importance of informed labor mobility, emphasising the necessity for legal channels between Bulgaria and Georgia.

Representatives from the Association of Vocational Training Colleges in the Hospitality and Catering Industry explored internship and career opportunities for graduating students. Ghenadie Cretu and Vitalie Varzari from IOM Moldova shared their experiences supporting migrants in accessing labor markets and applying bilateral agreements.

Ketevani Beradze, Project Operational Expert in Georgia, presented the results of activities implemented in the region. Subsequently, participants delved into discussions on the prospects of labour mobility for Georgian citizens to Bulgaria, focusing on potential collaborations with vocational education institutions.

The dialogue extended to exploring opportunities for implementing a bilateral labour migration scheme between Georgia and Bulgaria, facilitating practical experiences for students and recent graduates in an EU member state. Parties expressed a commitment to ongoing discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaborative solutions for skills development and partnerships among stakeholders, benefiting migrants, countries of origin, and destinations alike.
 

The 'Awareness Raising for Labour Mobility to Bulgaria' Project project is funded by the National Program of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020 with the financial support of the European Union and the budget of the Republic of Bulgaria.