Key Takeaways

• According to an HR specialist, Bulgaria needs up to 300,000 foreign workers.
• The number of foreign workers in Bulgaria is surging, with 35,000 to 40,000 workers expected to be employed this year.
• Bulgaria has reported 11 shortage occupations concerning several sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and food service.

The Bulgarian labour market is facing a shortage of workers ranging from 250,000 to 300,000, as asserted by the human resources expert Georgi Parvanov.

Among these, 70,000 are attributed to the lack of seasonal workers, Schengen.News reports.

Parvanov, who is a member of the executive committee of the Confederation of Employment, suggested that Bulgaria should establish quotas for hiring workers from third countries.

He further emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced foreign workforce from different countries. Parvanov, as cited by the Nouvelles du Monde, said that Bulgaria should avoid overfilling with foreign workers from a specific country.

However, he suggests that Bulgaria must ensure it has explored all its local labour resources before bringing workers from third countries.

Bulgaria to Employ Up to 40,000 People This Year

Reportedly, with a three-year visa program for manufacturing companies across different sectors, it is anticipated that 35,000 to 40,000 workers will be employed this year to meet company demand.

Our embassies abroad are not prepared for this influx of foreign workers. We will probably import around 35-40,000 people this year. Last year, there were much fewer, and five to six years ago, we imported 5,000 to 6,000 people per year.

– Georgi Parvanov, Confederation of Employment

Regarding the foreign workforce, Parvanov said that individuals from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan easily integrate into Bulgarian society. However, he said that Bulgaria has seen a notable interest from workers from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.

Salaries of Third Country Workers Range from €500 to €700

As further revealed by Parvanov, foreign workers from third countries receive a salary ranging from €500 to €700.

“These people come from countries where the average salary is 200 to 300 dollars gross. Their goal is to send 100 to 150 to 200 euros to their families without having an idea of ​​the price level and standard of living.” – Georgi Parvanov, Confederation of Employment

11 Occupations Facing Shortages in Bulgaria

A recent report by the European Labour Authority identified 11 shortages and six surpluses in the Bulgarian labour market. Professions facing shortages are as follows:

• Heavy truck and lorry drivers
• Sewing machine operators
• Welders and flame cutters
• Gardeners, horticultural and nursery growers
• Waiters
• Chefs
• Accountants
• Secondary education teachers
• Nursing professionals
• Specialist medical practitioners
• Electrical engineers

On the other hand, surplus professions in Bulgaria include vegetable and related preservers, building frame and related trades workers not elsewhere classified, shop sales assistants, social work associate professionals, administrative and executive secretaries, and psychologists.