Almost 36,000 foreign citizens from 79 countries have obtained the right to work in Bulgaria in 2024, on different kinds of permits, 10,000 more than in 2023,” said Atanaska Todorova, chief expert, labour market, migration and mobility at the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria.

The biggest number of permits have been issued to citizens of Türkiye – more than 8,000, followed by the citizens of Uzbekistan – almost 8,000, Kirgizstan – almost 5,000, Nepal – 4,500, India – almost 2,000 and Moldova – around 1,300 work permits, she said further. The foreign citizens gained access to the market in Bulgaria with a single work and residence and first job permit. The next group are the seasonal workers. Only 800 have gained access to the Bulgarian labour market on a blue card for highly qualified workers.