site.btaNumber of Undeclared Workers in Hospitality Sector Remains High

The General Labour Inspectorate (GLI) continues to report a significant number of individuals working without employment contracts in the hospitality and catering sector. Since the beginning of the year, 416 such cases have been identified in the sector, out of a total of 2,111 undeclared workers across all economic activities.

The hospitality and catering industry remains a key focus for the GLI due to the ongoing risk of various forms of undeclared labour. Because of that, labour inspectors carry out checks throughout the year. During the peak tourist seasons, targeted inspection campaigns are also conducted in both summer and winter resorts.

Since the start of 2025, inspectors have carried out 3,946 inspections in the hospitality and catering industry. These inspections uncovered 17,459 violations of labour legislation — 9,758 related to employment relationships and 7,522 concerning health and safety in the workplace. In addition, 172 breaches were recorded concerning the employment of foreign nationals in Bulgaria.

The sector also saw the issuance of 8,686 permits for the employment of underage workers.

In response to the violations, inspectors issued 982 administrative penalty notices. The total value of confirmed penalty rulings and approved settlements amounts to nearly BGN 1.5 million.