Minister Miloshev: The easing of the procedure for obtaining visas adopted today by the parliament is a great sign for Bulgarian tourism

Bulgarians are the most preferred workers in the tourism sector, the business offers a 20 percent salary increase

The Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev discussed with the representatives of the tourism business the problems and challenges in the sector that they face on the eve of the summer tourist season. The meeting took place in the building of “Sunny Beach” JSC and passed with great interest, in a lively discussion, with nearly 90 participants and guests.

One of the most hotly advocated and debated issues was the lack of staff, skilled workers and visas for foreign workers from third countries. A number of currently unsolvable case studies were shared related to the obstacles to obtaining visas and the difficult access of potential workers from third countries, usually arriving from distant destinations such as Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, India.

In parallel with the discussion in the hall, the people’s representatives in the parliament were expected to vote on two key paragraphs of the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria, with which to find a solution and unlock the possibility for employers of seasonal workers from third countries support the successful running of the upcoming summer tourist season.

Shortly after the end of the meeting of Minister Miloshev in the city of Sunny Beach, the expected legal change was voted by the people’s representatives. Its adoption will extend the stay of seasonal third-country workers from 90 to 180 consecutive days within each 12-month period of initial registration. When the visa expires, the workers will be able to extend it without having to leave the territory of Bulgaria to apply again. Thus, they will be able to stay with the same employer or change it for the duration of their new employment contract.

Minutes before the National Assembly voted on the change, Minister Miloshev commented to the representatives of the tourism business: “If it happens, it will be an incredible sign and symbol that we are a civil society. And I will be the happiest person for this breach in the system. But you should be happier than me, even though we know it won’t solve all the problems. These changes are not a panacea, but they will greatly ease the work of foreign workers and their employers, and I believe it will be deeply motivating.”

As another hot issue in the discussion, the problem of the lack of water rescuers, as well as the necessary medical personnel with the adoption of the new regulation on water rescue, was raised. The business asked the Minister for support from the MT and for assistance in delaying the operation of the new regulation on water rescue, which came into force only recently, due to unenforceable requirements.

Minister Evtim Miloshev promised to cooperate and make contact with the Minister of Health in search of a solution. “The issue is very painful and we will see if there is a solution and what it will be. Whatever depends on me and our ministry, we will do it”, said Minister Miloshev. In the talks, it became clear that for another year the wages in the tourism sector will be raised by 20 percent, and Bulgarians are the most preferred personnel in tourism. The minister noted that this year there are new markets and marketing activities are tailored to the changes in the market.

Among the other topics discussed with the business, the issue of tour guides having free access to cultural and historical sites and museums while fulfilling their official duties was raised. Minister Miloshev agreed that this is a small measure, but gestures like this are symbolic and should be done.

The Minister of Tourism commented with the business on the results and conclusions after his talks with the representatives of the authorities and control bodies. He emphasized how important it is to work in the direction of prevention. “Let it be clear that the institutions are on the ground and working,” said the Minister of Tourism and called on people from the tourism sector to work with inspiration and motivation, building the positive image of Bulgaria as a popular tourist destination.