The outcomes of the 'Awareness Raising for Labour Mobility to Bulgaria' Project, a collaborative effort led by IOM Bulgaria in partnership with IOM Missions in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova, were recently presented and discussed. The event, held on 30 November 2023, was organized by IOM Bulgaria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.

The opening speech was delivered by Mr. Radoslav Stamenkov, Head of Mission at IOM Bulgaria, setting the tone for the discussions. Other distinguished speakers included Ms. Christina Coman, Main Consultant from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection; Ms. Raisa Dogaru, Director of the National Employment Agency; Dr. Daffinka Prokopova, Secretary II of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Moldova. Representatives from IOM Missions in Moldova, Bulgaria, and Georgia also participated in the workshop.

This project, financed under the Bulgarian National Programme and supported by the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund 2014-2020 of the European Union, aims to enhance the safety and management of labour mobility from Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova to Bulgaria.

Discussions centered around the project's outcomes during the 2021-2023 implementation period, focusing on its targeted information campaign. This campaign aimed to educate labour migrants about their rights and obligations when working in Bulgaria, extending outreach to citizens of Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova by providing insights into the Bulgarian labour and social context. Participants emphasized that the project supports regular migration pathways and contributes to the implementation of the bilateral labour migration agreement between Moldova and Bulgaria. This aligns with the broader objectives of SDG 10.7 and the 23rd GCM Objective, promoting international cooperation and partnerships for safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Mr. Lars Johan Lönnback, IOM Moldova Chief of Mission, highlighted the project's significant role in advancing labour migration management in Moldova, incorporating an essential awareness-raising component. He noted, "The project provided substantial support to the relevant authorities in Moldova, facilitating the implementation of the bilateral labour agreement between Moldova and Bulgaria, with special consideration for the presence of a Bulgarian minority in the Gagauzia Region of the Republic of Moldova.

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.