On October 24 and 25, 2024, the planned public consultations were held on the program components "Return and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking" and "Migrant Integration," both part of the Programme.

An official invitation to participate was published on the website of the International Projects Directorate at the Ministry of Interior, the IOM website, and on social media, as well as sent directly to representatives of institutions and organizations responsible for implementing measures related to migrant integration and support for victims of trafficking.

All interested parties had the opportunity to participate in discussions on the activities and objectives of the two components, either in person or online, by completing an online feedback form. Those wishing to participate in person who submitted applications within the specified deadline were accommodated for in-person attendance.

On October 24, the consultation on the component "Return and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking" took place at the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) and online via a provided link. Mr. Alexander Gelovski from IOM and Ms. Ernesta Ruseva from NCCTHB presented in detail the objectives, planned activities, and anticipated impact of this component. The event was moderated by Ms. Antoaneta Dimitrova from NCCTHB.

On the following day, October 25, the consultation on the "Migrant Integration" component was held at the central office of IOM Bulgaria in Sofia and online via a shared link. Ms. Gergana Bacheva from IOM presented the objectives and planned activities for this component, with Mr. Radoslav Stamenkov, Head of IOM’s Mission in Bulgaria, also participating in the discussion.

The Programme itself, including its objectives, preparation, and financial resources, was presented by Mr. Krasimir Ushnev, Head of the "Programs and Projects" Department, in his capacity as representative of the Program Operator – the International Projects Directorate at the Ministry of Interior.

The main objective of the events was to present and discuss the Programme's planned activities and objectives, as well as to consider any comments and recommendations from participating institutions and civil society organizations. The IOM Bulgaria team will review and address all received comments and suggestions.

IOM expresses its gratitude to the participants for their support and active engagement and reaffirms its commitment to fruitful cooperation with institutions, NGOs, and international organizations involved in migration management and integration processes in Bulgaria.