Foreign nationals seeking international protection in Bulgaria will have the right to work in the country if a decision to grant protection is delayed for more than three months for reasons beyond their control, the country’s parliament has decided.

By introducing the concept of international protection, which includes refugee status and humanitarian status, Bulgaria aims to bring its  legislation in line with EU law.

The concept of protection provided to foreign nationals by the Bulgarian authorities comprises asylum, international protection and temporary protection, according to amendments to the Asylum and Refugees Act approved by parliament on Friday.

Temporary protection will be provided in case of a large inflow of migrants forced to leave their native country due to their ethnic origin, or because of armed conflict, civil war, military aggression as well as human rights violations and are unable to return there for those reasons.

Foreign nationals who have been granted asylum or international protection will be offered to conclude an integration agreement. The document will specify their rights and obligations as well as those of Bulgaria's central government and local authorities. The written consent of the State Agency for National Security (DANS) will be required to grant international protection