Decline in illegal migration: Latest data from Border Police

The Director of the General Directorate of Border Police, Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, announced during a briefing in Burgas that the country is reporting a significant decline in illegal migration. According to him, three years ago, cases of detaining large groups of migrants were a daily occurrence, covering territories around Sofia, Plovdiv, and the borders with Serbia and Romania.

Currently, we are keeping migration pressure at extremely low levels. We are stopping and blocking the vast number of illegal migrants right at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, Zlatanov stated.

Effectiveness of border measures

  • Enhanced control: The border with Turkey remains the busiest in Europe, but efforts are focused on limiting the flow at the source.
  • Combating smugglers: Over the last two years, more than 1,000 people involved in transporting illegal migrants have been detained.
  • Case in Burgas: Recently, 32 migrants and their driver were detained at the "Poda" checkpoint.

New standards and summer season

Regarding the Migration Pact, Zlatanov clarified that Bulgarian services continue to apply high standards, with the inspection regime now becoming even more intensive. In view of the approaching summer months, border zones remain under increased surveillance due to expected growth in traffic.