site.btaNo Increased Migration Pressure on Bulgaria over Middle East Conflict, Deputy Interior Minister Says

There is no increased migration pressure on Bulgaria in connection with the conflict in the Middle East, Deputy Interior Minister Ivan Anchev said here on Wednesday.

“There is no reason for us as a state to worry about any increased immigration pressure in connection with the conflict in the Middle East, and this should be clearly communicated to the public so as not to cause concern,” Anchev told a briefing at the Council of Ministers.

Earlier in the day, former president and Progressive Bulgaria coalition leader Rumen Radev, and There Is Such a People MP Stanislav Balabanov both expressed concern over the possible increase of migration pressure in view of the situation unfolding in the Middle East. 

“As of today, there is practically none [migration pressure],” Deputy Minister Anchev said. He noted that during the regular morning briefing at the Ministry of Interior, one person was reported detained at the border's entry, and the individual was not of Iranian origin. No migrants have been detained inside the country or at border exit points. 

According to him, there are no grounds for the state to be concerned about increased migration pressure linked to regional military crises that could have an impact on Bulgaria. 

In the short and medium term, no heightened migration risk is expected, the Deputy Minister added. He noted that the situation depends on developments around Iran and in the Middle East, but stressed that “what we witnessed in 2015 will not be repeated.” 

Anchev noted that all relevant state institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad, as well as the security services, are monitoring developments. Adequate measures will be taken if necessary. “We have the necessary resources and methodology,” he said. 

Asked when increased migration pressure can typically be expected after the outbreak of a conflict, Anchev replied that no specific timeframe can be set, as this depends on the nature, intensity and duration of the conflict itself. The most important thing at the moment is proper monitoring of developments and the preparation of operational and strategic analyses, he added. 

He noted that the current conflict differs in nature from the events of 2015, when during the war in Syria there were civil clashes and instances of ethnic and religious cleansing that led to increased migration flows. 

The Deputy Minister confirmed that the first group of Bulgarian citizens evacuated from the region is expected to arrive in the coastal city of Varna later in the day. He expressed gratitude to all ministries and institutions involved in the operation. Asked whether a flight from Bulgaria to Oman had departed to evacuate Bulgarians in the region, he said that at this time silence is a better option than making statements.