Hotline services for Refugees in Bulgaria

From December 2025 to March 2026, FAR’s hotline continued to function as a key resource for information and advocacy. In the context of the winter period and the approaching deadlines for legal procedures, our team provided daily support through phone and digital channels (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp), helping people navigate a frequently complex administrative environment.

Legal Certainty and Extension of Temporary Protection

The main focus during the four-month period was inquiries related to the extension of temporary protection. In view of the new state decisions, FAR provided up-to-date information regarding the deadlines and procedures for re-registration. Our intervention helped hundreds of people avoid the risk of losing their status and maintain their access to basic rights in Bulgaria.

Transition to a New Status: A Path Toward Long-term Sustainability

During this period, there was an increased interest in moving from temporary protection to other forms of legal stay. The hotline consulted users regarding:

• The possibilities for applying for humanitarian or refugee status under the general procedure;
• The procedures for obtaining a residence permit on the basis of work or family;
• The legal differences and advantages when changing the administrative regime. This transition is a key step for people who are planning their permanent future and integration in the country.

Institutional Advocacy and Social Support

The winter months brought to the forefront the need for closer cooperation with state authorities. FAR actively supported the communication with:

• SAR and MoI: To clarify individual cases during the replacement of documents;
• SAA: To ensure access to heating allowances and social payments;
• Health institutions: To confirm health insurance rights during the change of status.

Support for Employment and Labor Rights

The issue of work remained leading, especially in the context of the administrative transition. FAR provided:

• consultations for maintaining employment during the change of documents;
• assistance in communication with employers to clarify the right to work;
• information about current retraining courses and language training.

Work on Individual and Complex Cases

Our team continued to process signals requiring specific expertise, including questions about family reunification, access to specialized medical care, and protection of people at risk. In each case, we provided referrals to the legal and psychological services of FAR or to our partner organizations.

In a period marked by administrative changes, FAR’s hotline remained a stable point of support. Our activity is aimed at reducing the administrative burden on people, strengthening their confidence, and helping them make informed decisions for their life in Bulgaria.