The management of the State Agency for Refugees took decisive action regarding the problematic center in Sofia, with a focus on security and humane treatment of the most vulnerable groups - refugee children.
During a working meeting on-site, Chairman Ivan Ivanov, Vice-Chairman Nikola Kazakov, and Municipal Councilor Jordan Todorov announced specific changes in the building's status. The main decision provides for keeping only 37 underage refugees under 18 years old, who will be under constant control.
The taken step is a direct response to the prolonged tension between local residents and the center's inhabitants. Citizens from the "Ovcha Kupel" district insisted on taking specific measures due to violations of public order and cleanliness in the neighborhood.
The agency's management plans a large-scale reconstruction of the building, and after the renovation, the capacity will be increased to 250 places, intended exclusively for children. In parallel, the second building will be preserved as a reserve capacity in case of potential refugee pressure.
Nikola Kazakov, who has been the agency's chairman for two terms, emphasized that in addition to restructuring the center, serious measures will be taken to improve the control regime and entry system.
During an inspection in various registration and reception centers, Ivan Ivanov personally found extremely difficult living conditions. He described the environment as "inhumane" and inconsistent with the standards of European Bulgaria.
The management categorically set a requirement for employees to strictly implement the new regulations and ensure dignified conditions for the accommodated refugees, especially for children.