Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Mysterious disappearances of Nepalese and Sri Lankan workers on the Black Sea coast

Sunny Beach
Photo: BTA

Four cases of third-country nationals - three from Nepal and one from Sri Lanka - who were employed by hotels in the Sunny Beach resort and then disappeared have been reported to police in Nessebar. According to Veselin Nalbantov, deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, these workers appear to have used Bulgaria as a gateway to Western Europe. 

"We find their clothes and passports, but they are gone. We assess their work and then they head west. It's a mystery how they crossed the border without passports," Nalbantov said, not ruling out the possibility of a human trafficking network. 

"It is possible that these workers were aware that they could use their entry into an EU country to move on through Europe, taking advantage of the Schengen zone. Like Bulgarians, foreigners seek better pay and working conditions," added Tsvetelina Randeva, spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry in Bourgas.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM