The first Labor Exchange of the FAR – a bridge between people and opportunities

The Foundation for Access to Rights – FAR held the first specialized Labor Exchange for refugees and migrants, which took place on October 30, 2025, at the “Krasno Selo” Municipal Cultural Institute in Sofia. The Labor Exchange was held within the framework of the project "Access Address: The Path to Social Inclusion in Sofia," implemented by FAR in partnership with the "Krasno Selo," "Vrabnitsa," and "Novi Iskar" districts, with the financial support of Sofia Municipality's Europe 2025 Program. 

It was a challenge and a pleasure for us to welcome over 100 participants. At the beginning of the event, we presented the legal aspects of employment for refugees and migrants in Bulgaria – the types of residence statuses, the possibilities, and the requirements for employers when hiring foreigners. Lawyers from the FAR team provided individual consultations, answering specific questions related to labor and immigration legislation, and our mediators, translators, and volunteers helped ensure effective communication. 

15 employers from various sectors took part in the Labor Exchange – construction, manufacturing, landscaping and eco-activities, transport and logistics, telecommunications and customer service, hotel and restaurant business, and others. Over 150 job vacancies were offered, accessible to candidates with different experiences and qualifications. Job-seeking refugees and migrants from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Congo, and Burkina Faso came with the belief that they can start a new life here, in Bulgaria. Each of them carried their story, skills, and dream for security and dignified work. 

The meetings with employers at the exchange took place in an open and positive atmosphere, numerous new contacts were established, and many of the conversations continued in the following days with interviews and concrete job offers, leading to the signing of employment contracts. The successful event gives us confidence and motivation to continue our work in this direction through subsequent initiatives aimed at promoting labor integration and the sustainable inclusion of refugees and migrants in social and economic life.

Listen to the report by the Bulgarian National Radio about the event here. 

Project "Access Address: The Path to Social Inclusion in Sofia," which is implemented with the financial support of Sofia Municipality - Europe 2025 Program by the Foundation for Access to Rights – FAR in partnership with Vrabnitsa District, Krasno Selo District, and Novi Iskar District. The content of the publication reflects solely the views of the author and in no way reflects the official position of Sofia Municipality.