Bulgaria has turned into a society of "carry-ons," ready to disperse all over the world, according to pollster Yuriy Aslanov.

Aslanov commented Friday on the results of a recent poll of the Afis agency, ordered by the European Parliament.

"The Western world should not worry about Bulgarians coming to their countries; Bulgarians are the ones that should be alarmed by the emigration rate. Quality people, educated people, qualified and in active age, are ready to abandon their homeland and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of other countries," said he.

The poll was conducted between people ages 15-55, including from the minorities.

According to the forecast of pollsters, about 400 000 people will leave the country forever in the next few years.

Aslanov compared the results with a similar study from 2008. The main goals of the emigration have remained the same – education, work, and higher wages, but the preferred destinations have shifted from Spain, Greece, and Italy to Germany and Great Britain.

The number of people who say they want to leave is not higher, but more are now able to realize such plans. More of the potential emigrants speak foreign languages as well.

Aslanov sees as alarming the fact that highly-qualified Bulgarians are willing to take just any job abroad.

He says there is at least one person permanently living outside the country in every second Bulgarian family.

More and more expats refuse to join Bulgarian communities in other countries, leading to their further alienation from the homeland.

Aslanov stresses the poll has been conducted after the start of mass anti-government rallies in the country, which could have influenced the results.