Labour shortages are one of the biggest problems facing business. Labour migration will not solve the problems of the labour market, but it will solve some of them, and in Bulgaria they are not few at all, the participants in the national discussion “Access to the labour market of workers from third countries – challenges and solutions”, organised by the Bulgarian Industrial Association and the National Tourism Board, were unanimous. The forum brought together representatives of the government, the National Assembly, institutions and business to raise the issues and possible solutions in the short term.
“Access to the labour market for workers and highly qualified personnel from third countries is one of the important issues facing the Bulgarian economy. At the suggestion of the Council of Ministers, the Economic and Social Council has developed and adopted an” Analysis of possibilities for simplifying and accelerating procedures for access to the labour market for workers and highly qualified personnel from third countries for the needs of Bulgarian business “. Some of the recommendations we made in it are already being implemented, but there are more measures to be taken,” said ESC Chairperson Zornitsa Rusinova.
She took part in the panel discussion on legislative solutions, moderated by BIA Vice President and Council member Maria Mincheva. The event was also attended by the Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee at ESC and Deputy Chairman of the BIA Stanislav Popdonchev.
“Bulgaria needs a proactive, effective and coherent labour migration policy. The labour shortage is no longer just a challenge for business – it is a systemic problem with implications for the economic growth, social stability and demographic sustainability of our country. Hiring foreign workers – third country nationals – is a realistic and necessary measure in the short term,” said the chairman of ESC.
For this to happen effectively, simplification of procedures and concrete steps are needed in a number of areas. The Law on Labour Migration and Labour Mobility and related regulations need to be fine-tuned to meet both EU requirements and the needs of our economy. In its analysis, ESC also highlights the need to accelerate the digitalisation of foreign recruitment procedures. A single online platform for application, document checking and status tracking would save time, effort and administrative burden for all participants in the process, the panelists said. A strategic partnership with third countries and the expansion of bilateral agreements with countries with potential for labour migration would create predictability, reduce bureaucracy and facilitate business, according to the findings of ESC.
“Coordination between institutions is also extremely important. Currently, more than six state structures are involved in the process – without clearly allocated responsibilities and without a leading coordinating role. This creates duplication, delay and confusion. There is a need for a single coordinating institution and for strengthening the role of the National Council on Labour Migration and Labour Mobility”, commented Zornitsa Rusinova.
A national policy for attracting and retaining staff and protecting workers’ rights are among the other important issues that need to be addressed to successfully recruit third-country businesses. A serious information campaign to show that Bulgaria is an attractive place to work could be a good step in this direction, the chairman of ESC said.
