The EU has earmarked EUR 600 million for technical enhancement of the Bulgaria-Turkiye border, the Secretary General of the Interior Ministry Commissioner Petar Todorov said for the BNT. Since the beginning of 2023, migrant pressure has increased by 43%, Petar Todorov noted.

16,767 migrants were detained in Bulgaria in 2022, 6,000 more than in 2021. 2,298 illegal migrants were detained while attempting to enter the country. 2,377 migrants without registration were caught while attempting to leave the territory of Bulgaria. Another 12, 092 people have been apprehended for staying illegally in the country.

In the first two months of 2023, 1,278 illegal migrants were detained. 88 were arrested while entering Bulgaria. 179 migrants were detained while attempting to leave the country illegally. Another 1,011 foreign nationals were apprehended for staying illegally in the country.