Hotline services for Refugees in Bulgaria

During the spring and early summer months of 2026, the challenges faced by refugees entered a new phase. The focus shifted decisively from initial accommodation towards long-term integration, regularising documentation and status, and social inclusion in the community. During this period, the Hotline received more than 100 calls, with most of the questions we now receive relating to long-term settlement in Bulgaria. Our team continued to provide a safe and reliable point of support for hundreds of people seeking trustworthy information and assistance.

What were the most common issues we encountered during this period?

• Legalisation of documents and access to education – Significant difficulties persist with the legalisation of Ukrainian educational documents. Recognition of secondary education requires an apostille, which creates serious obstacles for many people. Application deadlines for higher education institutions are very short for persons under temporary protection, and many are unable to submit their documents on time. We continue to receive numerous questions about the application process itself.
• Long-term integration and civil status matters – Most enquiries concern long-term integration and the administrative steps required in Bulgaria: clarifying the documents needed to get married, procedures following the birth of a child (including the proper issuance of a birth certificate or other relevant document), as well as procedures following a death, including the required documentation and arrangements for a funeral.
• Re-registration for Temporary Protection – The extension of temporary protection until 4 March 2027 resulted in significant numbers of people seeking to renew their registration cards during April and May.
• Labour market and recognition of qualifications – We continue to encounter cases of highly qualified Ukrainian professionals being employed in low-skilled positions. The language barrier and the lengthy qualification recognition procedure before NACID remain major obstacles.
• Banking barriers – A number of banks continue to refuse to accept the temporary protection registration card as a valid identity document.
• Housing insecurity – There is still no clear long-term strategy for a smooth transition from state-provided accommodation facilities to independent housing.
• ‍ Suspended consular services – We have received increasing numbers of enquiries from men aged 18–60 who are left without valid international passports, effectively blocking their access to administrative services.

Behind every call, enquiry and consultation is a human story. Our role is not simply to provide information, but to help people regain a sense of direction, security and belonging.

Thank you to everyone who places their trust in us every day. We believe that together, we can do more!