Starting this autumn, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy will launch a program aimed at attracting Bulgarians from abroad. More than EUR 33 million will fund the initiative "I Choose Bulgaria", reported 24chasa.bg. The goal is to bring workers back to the country, as businesses currently face a shortage of around 260,000 employees. The program will also promote internal migration to smaller settlements.

The program offers a support package that includes assistance with moving household belongings and a housing allowance for those who take up jobs in locations where they do not own a home. Language training will be provided for individuals who do not speak Bulgarian. A transport allowance ranging from EUR 1 to EUR 3.50 per day is also planned to cover travel to the workplace. To offset lower wages in Bulgaria compared to other countries, the program will offer financial incentives to supplement employees' salaries. 

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BNT