site.btaParliament Bill Would Let Foreign Workers Switch Employers

A bill amending the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act was published for public consultation on Wednesday, proposing to let holders of a single residence and work permit change employers while remaining in Bulgaria.

The proposed amendments were meant to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1233 on a single application procedure for third-country nationals seeking a single residence and work permit in an EU Member State, as well as a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State. They also sought to streamline administrative services in the context of Bulgaria’s full Schengen membership and the forthcoming introduction of the euro.

The most significant easing concerned holders of a single residence and work permit. The bill would let foreign nationals change employers while staying in the country. The explanatory notes to the bill said that under the current rules, foreigners granted extended residence under Article 24i of the act on the basis of a single residence and work permit could not change employers while in Bulgaria.

The bill also provided that a foreign national would not lose their right of residence immediately if they became unemployed. They would be able to register with the Labour Office during periods of unemployment without automatically losing their lawful stay. The submitters said current rules did not allow this group to register with the Labour Office while unemployed without risking the withdrawal of their residence rights. A foreign national would have to notify the Migration Directorate within a set period if they lost their job and registered with the Employment Agency.

The proposed amendments to the Health Act would also guarantee access to healthcare for third-country nationals undergoing screening procedures.

Under the life-episode concept, the time limits for issuing Bulgarian identity documents would also be shortened.