The number of migrants seeking protection from Bulgaria is 1755 for October 2016, according to data from the State Agency for Refugees.

The agency's latest figure is much lower compared to data for October, when 2526 migrants applied for international protection.

The applicants were from 15 different countries, but included stateless persons.

The number from the beginning of the year (January - November, 2016) is 18 603.

Refugee status was given to 97 people from four countries (stateless persons included) in November and the total number of people with this status from January to November of this year is 657.

Those with humanitarian status amounted to 59 people from three countries, the total figure for January-November rising to 470.

The number of migrants who were denied status in October alone is 249 people coming from 7 countries (stateless persons included). Since the beginning of the year the total figure is 1268.

The agency's statistics can only include figures on migrants who have been detained or registered in Bulgaria, but not of those who try to cross the country irregularly without contacting authorities.

Earlier, figures of the Interior Ministry showed the 4526 people had been detained while trying to cross into Bulgaria since the year began. Another 19 777, however, were arrested inside Bulgaria, after having crossed irregularly, numbers showed.