The current refugee crisis and the challenges for Bulgaria as an entry gate for the European Union

In this paper we analyze the effect of the current refugee crisis in South-Eastern Europe by making an emphasis on the Bulgarian migration policy. After discussing the legal part, concerning the migration processes in the country, we present the most recent statistics, related to the refugee’s panorama in Bulgaria. Several current problems are analyzed such as the dynamics of the detainees at the borders and inside the country, the trafficking, the asylum applications and the corresponding decisions, as well as other aspects related to the specific migration policies and their management. Finally we discuss some recommendations for a better sustainability as well as some important geopolitical issues, related to the disadvantageous position of the country as a entry gate to the EU and the concern regarding the EU-Turkish agreement in migration and resettlement

THE SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS IN EUROPE

The manuscript analyzes the current refugee’s crisis in Europe and the situation of the Syrian refugees in Syria’s neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. The presented comparative analysis between the first instance decisions in asylum policies of several European countries is accompanied by additional statistics of the refugee’s influx. Several suggestions related to the necessary measures to be taken in short and long term in order to ensure more sustainable migration patterns are discussed in detail

The explosive Ukrainian migration due to the Russian armed conflict in 2022: the case of Bulgaria

In this work, we have studied the evolution of the Ukrainian refugee crisis in Europe during the first several months after the beginning of the armed conflict on 24 February 2022. We have also talked about the influx of Ukrainians into Bulgaria, where there has reportedly been the biggest wave of refugees in recorded history. By using official statistics and structured interviews with Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria, we have analyzed the specific evolution of the immigrants, their profile, and the governmental policies for better integration of them into the labor market and within the society. Our key arguments are mainly related to the fact that such policies must be successful for most Ukrainian immigrants and refugees due to the similarities between Ukraine and Bulgaria regarding traditions, education, and historical ties. Our conclusion confirms these arguments but also mentions several problems related to the low wages, the limited childcare, and the heavy bureaucracy

SEASONAL WORKERS BEFORE THE COVID-19 ERA: ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF EASTERN EUROPE

This paper analyzes the phenomenon of seasonal workers in Europe before the Covid-19 pandemic and discusses the legislation for intermediation job intermediation agencies in several East European countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. Additionally, we discuss the typical patterns for seasonal migration in the European context. We also analyze the situation of seasonal workers in Scandinavia (the berry picking activity in Sweden), in Spain (the orange picking in the Mediterranean regions) as well as the Ukrainian seasonal workers in some of the Visegrad-4 countries (Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia). Finally, we briefly discuss some novel approaches which might be used as regulation mechanisms. &nbsp

The Syrian refugee crisis in Europe

The manuscript analyzes the current refugee’s crisis in Europe and the situation of the Syrian refugees in Syria’s neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. The presented comparative analysis between the first instance decisions in asylum policies of several European countries is accompanied by additional statistics of the refugee’s influx. Several suggestions related to the necessary measures to be taken in short and long term in order to ensure more sustainable migration patterns are discussed in detail

The Covid-19 mobility impacts on the migration flow in South-East Europe: the situation in 2021 and before 1989

In this paper, we analyze the current travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic imposed by the countries from South-East Europe and briefly compare them with those imposed by the Central European countries. By using official data collection of displacement tracking matrices and analyzing the porosity of the borders in this part of Europe, we research the impact of COVID-19 on human mobility and the related economic and social aspects. Discussions are presented regarding this impact on the travelers, the seasonal workers from some of the selected countries, and the immigrants from the Middle-East. A formal analysis is performed relating the current travel restrictions and the travel ban during the iron curtain

Seasonal workers before the Covid-19 era: analysis of the legislation within the context of Eastern Europe

This paper analyzes the phenomenon of the seasonal workers in Europe before the Covid-19 pandemic and discusses the legislation for intermediation job intermediation agencies in several East European countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Poland. Additionally we discuss the typical patterns for seasonal migration in European context. We also analyze the situation of seasonal workers in Scandinavia (the berry picking activity in Sweden), in Spain (the orange picking in the Mediterranean regions) as well as the Ukrainian seasonal workers in some of the Visegrad-4 countries (Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia). Finally, we briefly discuss some novel approaches which might be used as regulation mechanisms

Flujos migratorios recientes entre Marruecos y España en condiciones de crisis económica mundial

En este artículo se estudian los procesos migratorios recientes circulares y de retorno de los inmigrantes marroquíes en España. Se analiza su situación desde el comienzo de la crisis y su decisión de volver a su país de forma provisional o permanente. Se hace un análisis detallado del uso y de la cantidad de las remesas. Se comparan los datos de varias encuestas realizadas con inmigrantes marroquíes tanto a nivel europeo, como estatal y local. Al final se analiza la migración circular y de retorno de las mujeres marroquíesThis article studies recent circular and return migration processes of Moroccan immigrants in Spain. The situation is analysed from the beginning of the crisis and focuses on the immigrants decision to return home temporarily or permanently. The article offers a detailed analysis of the importance and the use of remittances. Data from various surveys conducted with Moroccan immigrants at European, state and local levels are also compared. Finally, the circular and return migration of Moroccan women is also discusse

Ukrainian migration during the first year after the beginning of the Russian armed conflict in 2022

This study examines the evolution of Ukrainian refugees during the first year after the start of the full-scale armed conflict on 24 February 2022, which resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis and high levels of migration both within Ukraine and towards Europe. Using official statistics, the changes in border crossings from Ukraine to neighboring countries during the first year of the conflict are investigated. Additionally, surveys conducted with Ukrainian refugees in several European countries and author interviews conducted in Bulgaria, Spain, and Germany reveal the specific needs of refugees and the main challenges to successful integration into host labor markets and societies. The Temporary Protection Directives and other local protection programs are analyzed in this study, accompanied by a comprehensive discussion on similar initiatives. The primary conclusion drawn from this research affirms the presence of substantial challenges in the successful integration of Ukrainian refugees into host societies, despite the efforts made by the respective governments