site.btaDeputy Labour Minister Efremova Presents I Choose Bulgaria Initiative to Parliamentary Committee on Policies for Bulgarians Abroad

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Natalia Efremova presented the I Choose Bulgaria initiative before the Parliamentary Committee on Policies for Bulgarians Abroad on Thursday.

The programme, launched in the summer by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, has a total budget of BGN 66 million divided into two components: BGN 26 million to support Bulgarians returning from abroad and BGN 40 million to encourage internal mobility - relocation from larger to smaller towns for employment and settlement.

Efremova explained that the measure offers a broad support package, including job placement assistance, Bulgarian language training for adults and children, and help with school or kindergarten enrolment. Financial incentives will be paid at the sixth and twelfth month after employment begins, alongside partial support for rent and transport expenses.

Applications have been open since September 19, with over 2,100 submissions in the first few days. The initiative is implemented by the Employment Agency in partnership with the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad. The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has also had working meetings with employers' organizations, and works in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science. 

Efremova said that I Choose Bulgaria is part of the ministry’s demographic policy efforts and will be promoted through career forums, including upcoming events in Frankfurt and Taraclia (Moldova).

She noted that public interest is high and the ministry may seek additional funding if demand exceeds expectations.