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.
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.
He further noted that in accordance with the law, third-country nationals must receive equal wages and benefits as Bulgarian workers.
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:
