Recently, Bulgaria has become one of the main destinations for Ukrainian refugees looking for a safe place to live. After the start of a full-scale war, many Ukrainians found themselves in difficult conditions and were forced to leave their homes in search of refuge in European countries. Bulgaria, as a member of the EU, offers temporary protection, which provides the possibility of legal residence, access to the labor market and social services. However, the registration of the relevant status has its own peculiarities, which should be taken into account in order to avoid possible problems and delays.
Who is entitled to temporary protection
According to European norms (EU Council Directive 2001/55/EC) and Bulgarian legislation, temporary protection is granted to Ukrainian citizens who are forced to leave Ukraine due to hostilities.
Upon arrival in Bulgaria, you should contact the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria (MIA) in the city of Varna. You can submit an application in person, and it will be considered immediately on the spot.
Useful contacts in Varna:
– Migration Service (exact address will be provided upon arrival). – Ukrainian House in Varna (organizes consular services every Wednesday from 13:00 to 16:30). Phone: +359 878 773073 (Wednesday from 13:00 to 16:00). Information is also available on the Facebook page.
– Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria (can provide advice on the application process).
Issuing temporary protection in Bulgaria in 2025 has its own nuances, which should be known in advance. For Ukrainians planning to move, it is important to collect all the necessary documents and contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
See also With the proliferation of the internet and digital platforms, teenagers' lives are increasingly centred around social media. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms are becoming a place to socialise, express themselves and get information. However, these platforms also carry risks associated with uncontrolled access to content that can be harmful, dangerous or even tragic. The recent TikTok scandals in Europe are a reminder that parents should pay special attention to their children's online lives. This issue is especially relevant for Ukraine, where teenagers are also actively using social networks, and the issue of content control is still underdeveloped. Scandal in France: a lawsuit against TikTok In France, seven families filed a class action lawsuit against TikTok after dangerous content in the social network led to tragic consequences. About it writes Reuters. Two 15-year-olds committed suicide, according to the lawyer, after watching videos promoting suicide and other dangerous behavioural patterns. This is the first such case in Europe, with the platform accused of contributing to the tragic events by failing to properly monitor content that reaches underage users. The families' lawyer, Laure Boutron-Marmion, insists that TikTok, as a commercial company providing its product to minors, should be held responsible for the harmful effects of its product. TikTok has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the company has previously assured its responsibility for the mental health of young users and introduced certain measures to protect them. This situation raises the question of how social media should protect young people from dangerous content. It is also a challenge for parents around the world, including Ukraine, where access to content is less controlled and teenagers may face similar risks. How Ukrainian parents can protect their children The problem of harmful content on social media is a global one, and it can only be avoided if parents are actively involved in the parenting process and use technology to keep children safe. Here are some tips that can help parents keep their children safe from the negative influence of social networks. Regular conversations about internet safety It's important to discuss internet safety with your children and explain that not all content is helpful or safe. Explain why they should be careful and avoid suspicious or dangerous content. Explaining risks and teaching critical thinking Children need to understand that information on the internet can be distorted or manipulative. Teach them to think critically, recognise the signs of false information and avoid content that may cause anxiety or stress. Set limits on time of use Research shows that excessive time on social media leads to stress and depression. Agree with your children to limit the amount of time they can spend online. This will help reduce their addiction and keep them mentally healthy. Set up privacy settings and parental controls Use the privacy features on social networks that allow you to restrict access to content that is inaccessible to children. It's also worth utilising parental control features to monitor your child's activity and block potentially harmful content. Developing trusting relationships Trust between parents and children is the foundation of safe social media use. Let children know that they can share their thoughts and concerns with you, and that you are always there to help. Keep up with news about social media Pay attention to scandals or problems that arise with social media, such as the situation in France. Such cases allow parents to learn about new dangers and react in time. Mental health support Talk to your children about their feelings and experiences and help them cope with emotional stress. If you suspect that a child is being influenced by harmful content, don't hesitate to contact a professional. TikTok, like many other social networks, should ensure the safety of underage users. The problem of dangerous content on social networks is now going global, and companies that provide platforms for teens must step up measures to filter harmful videos and material. Incidents like the French one emphasise the importance of paying attention to children's online lives and demonstrate that parents can and should play a key role in keeping their children safe. Social media can be a useful tool, but only if teenagers are aware and protected. Dialogue with children, setting rules and controlling access to content is the basis for preserving their mental health and emotional stability in the digital world.
What documents are needed
To apply, you must have:
– Passport of each family member.
– Child’s birth certificate.
– Documents confirming the reasons for the protection (if any).
Terms of consideration of the application
The decision to grant temporary protection is usually made within a few days. Since you only have three weeks of vacation, we advise you to start collecting documents in advance (in May-June) and get a preliminary consultation online to minimize the time spent on formalities in Bulgaria.
Medical insurance
It is also worth considering that after receiving the status, refugees have the opportunity to access social programs and the health care system of Bulgaria. They can also take out private health insurance. In addition, international and public organizations provide support in the integration process.
The situation with Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria is part of the broader context of the migration crisis in Europe. Although the country provides opportunities for legalization of stay, the future of these people depends on their ability to integrate into the local community, find work and provide stability for their families. Bulgaria continues to adapt its migration policy to meet new challenges, and Ukrainians seeking protection should be prepared for possible changes in the procedure and rules of stay.
