Labor Import: Bulgaria Plans Large-Scale Attraction of Foreign Specialists

15.07.2025 | Career

The Social Ministry announced an ambitious plan to introduce between 50,000 and 70,000 foreign workers by 2025, aimed at overcoming a critical shortage in key economic sectors.

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The government is undertaking an unprecedented strategy to overcome the labor crisis through targeted external workforce import. Minister Borislav Grekov presented a detailed plan that envisages large-scale attraction of foreign specialists by the end of 2025.

The analysis of the demographic situation shows a sharp imbalance between market demand and available workforce. Priority areas for external workforce include construction, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial sector, where the lack of qualified personnel is most sensitive.

The inter-agency approach requires precise international cooperation and development of strict regulatory mechanisms. The Health Ministry emphasizes the need to guarantee labor rights and create transparent hiring procedures.

Experts are issuing warnings about potential risks of uncontrolled workforce import. A key point is building effective systems for social integration and professional certification to prevent abuses and payments below market levels.

The government plan aims for a balanced solution that simultaneously addresses economic challenges and social expectations of the Bulgarian labor market.