Specifics of the Social Work with Refugees in Bulgaria – Actual Topics, Achievements and Challenges

Abstract

Over the past three decades, Bulgaria has gained significant experience in social work with refugees arriving from areas where their lives are threatened by military actions. Until a few years ago, refugees were predominantly Muslim, from countries in the Middle East, while in recent years they have been predominantly Christian, mostly from Ukraine. Regardless of their origin, they have access to social services related to their residence on the territory of Bulgaria, which aim to ensure access to education, health care, and employment. A specific feature of the social work with refugees in Bulgaria is the very good interaction between state institutions, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, which work together, seeking the best solutions to support the stay of refugees in the host country and their social integration. As a result of this good cooperation, there are already refugees who have received Bulgarian citizenship, deciding to stay and live in Bulgaria. Of course, there are also challenges that still need solutions, such as providing sufficient opportunities for learning the Bulgarian language as a means for optimal educational inclusion and integration into the labor market, housing, etc.