🌍 At IOM Bulgaria, we believe that building bridges between cultures begins with understanding and respect. That’s why our team works closely with the unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors accommodated in the Safe Zones we manage to help them navigate life in a new country with confidence and curiosity. 🏠🚸 As part of our ongoing engagement in the Safe Zone at RRC Sofia – Ovcha Kupel, we recently organised an introductory information session focused on the geography, culture, and everyday life in Bulgaria. 🇧🇬 During the session, IOM staff introduced the young participants to key facts about Bulgaria — from its diverse landscape and population, to its rich history, language, and traditions. The group also explored topics such as religion, national holidays, local customs, and the values that shape Bulgarian society. 🧭 The goal of the activity was not only to inform but also to foster a sense of belonging and cultural openness in a new environment. Through interactive presentations and discussions, the UAMs had the opportunity to ask questions, share their impressions, and reflect on the similarities and differences between their home cultures and Bulgarian society. 🇪🇺These activities were implemented within the framework of the project "Support for Unaccompanied Minors Accommodated in Safe Zones" funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union.
IOM Bulgaria
Non-profit Organizations
Sofia, Sofia-City 26 followers
Official page of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bulgaria
About us
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) established its operations in Bulgaria in 2000. Across the country, IOM provides a comprehensive response to the humanitarian needs of migrants, including asylum seekers, refugees, and victims of trafficking, through various types of direct assistance, as well as assists the government in the development and implementation of migration policies. Learn more about IOM in Bulgaria. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement. IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management: - Migration and development - Facilitating migration - Regulating migration - Forced migration. IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.
- Website
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https://bulgaria.iom.int
External link for IOM Bulgaria
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Sofia, Sofia-City
- Founded
- 1951
Updates
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🌿 From Bare Ground to Blooming Garden At RRC Sofia – Ovcha Kupel, a once-unused patch of land is slowly transforming into a thriving garden — thanks to the care and commitment of IOM Bulgaria staff and the unaccompanied children in the Safe Zone. 🌱💚 Together, they’ve planted tomatoes, flowers, and even watermelon vines — watering them daily under the hot summer sun, building fences, and watching the space come to life. A special highlight is the 🌱Mulukhiya — a leafy green unfamiliar in Bulgaria, grown from seeds brought from Palestine by one of IOM’s cultural mediators. For many of the children, this plant holds a quiet connection to home and shared roots. 🌞💦 And sometimes, tending the garden turns into moments of joy — a splash from the hose, laughter in the heat, and a sense of belonging. 🇪🇺 These activities are implemented within the framework of the projects "Support for Unaccompanied Minors Accommodated in Safe Zones" and "Provision of support to asylum seekers in Bulgaria", funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union.
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👉 Take advantage of the opportunity to join free Bulgarian language courses for migrants legally residing in Bulgaria – learning the local language is a key step toward successful integration, communication, and participation in community life. 📘 Courses with an English-speaking tutor / Level A1 and A2 ⏱️ Classes are held Monday to Friday, 2 hours per day 📆 Course duration: Approximately 2 months ✅ Eligibility criteria: To participate, you must: – Be a legally residing third-country national (i.e., a citizen of a non-EU country) in Bulgaria – Hold a valid residence permit (including asylum seekers or persons granted international / temporary protection) – Have been in Bulgaria for no more than 12 months at the time of application – Own an electronic device (phone, tablet, or laptop) with a stable internet connection ✅ Participant requirements: – You must attend at least 70% of the classes to retain your right to free training under the program – A final exam will be held at the end of the course, and participants will receive a certificate of completion 📩 To join a study group, please email us at: iombglearn@iom.int The project "Bulgarian Language Courses for Legally Residing Migrants" is funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2021–2027) with the financial support of the European Union and the budget of the Republic of Bulgaria.
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🎨 A splash of color in the Safe Zone at RRC Sofia – Voenna Rampa! As part of our ongoing support for unaccompanied children, creative activities like painting with natural materials help bring a sense of normalcy, joy, and self-expression into their daily lives. This week, one young resident brightened their space by transforming pinecones into colorful decorations—a small but meaningful way to feel more at home. These everyday moments are part of our continuous efforts to offer a safe, child-friendly environment that supports both emotional well-being and personal development. ✨ Because sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. 💛 🇪🇺The Safe Zones are managed within the framework of the project "Support for Unaccompanied Minors Accommodated in Safe Zones", funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union.
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💙Need someone to talk to? 💬IOM offers free and confidential psychological consultations for migrants in Bulgaria. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just need support — we're here to help. 📞 Contact us to book your free session: +359 884 605 185 / +359 884 605 184 🇪🇺 These activities are implemented under the project "Provision of Support to Asylum Seekers in Bulgaria", funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021–2027, with the financial support of the European Union.
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📣 Free Bulgarian Language Courses, level A2 - Starting in July! 📑 We have available places for an upcoming online group starting between 14-16.07.2025 Courses with an English-speaking tutor: – Morning group: 08.30 - 10.30 am Course duration: Approximately 2 months Classes are held Monday to Friday, 2 hours per day ✅ Eligibility criteria: – Be a legally residing third-country national (i.e., a citizen of a non-EU country) in Bulgaria – Hold a valid residence permit (including asylum seekers or persons granted international / temporary protection) – Have been in Bulgaria for no more than 12 months at the time of application – Own an electronic device (phone, tablet, or laptop) with a stable internet connection Participant requirements: – You must attend at least 70% of the classes to retain your right to free training under the program – A final exam will be held at the end of the course, and participants will receive a certificate of completion 📩 To join a study group, please email us at: iombglearn@iom.int The project "Bulgarian Language Courses for Legally Residing Migrants" is funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2021–2027) with the financial support of the European Union and the budget of the Republic of Bulgaria.
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📒 Bulgarian Language Courses Continue 👉 IOM Bulgaria's project "Bulgarian language training for legally residing migrants" is offering FREE online courses. ✅ Eligibility criteria: To participate, you must: – Be a legally residing third-country national (i.e., a citizen of a non-EU country) in Bulgaria – Hold a valid residence permit (including asylum seekers or persons granted international protection) – Have been in Bulgaria for no more than 12 months at the time of application – Own an electronic device (phone, tablet, or laptop) with a stable internet connection 📌 Participant requirements: – You must attend at least 60% of the classes to retain your right to free training under the program – A final exam will be held at the end of the course, and participants will receive a certificate of completion 🎓 📧 To join a study group, please email us at: iombglearn@iom.int This project is funded by the National Programme of Bulgaria under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2021–2027) with the financial support of the European Union and the budget of the Republic of Bulgaria.
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IOM Bulgaria reposted this
We’ve spent years trying to shift the narrative on migration. But maybe it’s not about glorifying or defending; maybe it’s just about saying what’s true. Migration isn’t a crisis. It’s not an exception. It’s part of life. A way people study, work, love, care and dream. Without being a hero or a scapegoat, migration simply exists and benefits us all. Let’s speak plainly about it. And let’s remember that the terms we use like “country of origin” or “host country” may sound technical, but they all point to the same word: home. The UN Network on Migration has created a short animation to help spark this reflection. Watch it, share it, use it. Because together, we can change the story and when we do, we change how people are seen, treated and protected.
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📍IOM Bulgaria Mobile Teams Continue Supporting Migrants Across the Country. This week, our mobile protection teams visited the Registration and Reception Centre (RRC) in Sofia – Vrazhdebna, where they met with asylum seekers in need of support. We regularly visit all RRCs in Sofia on a weekly basis, ensuring continuous and tailored assistance to those who need it most. IOM's mobile teams provide: ✅Social, legal, administrative, and psychological consultations ✅Medical support and referral ✅Translation and cultural mediation 📢If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out – our services are free and confidential. ☎️Contact us: +359 884 605 185 / +359 884 605 184 🤝Together, we’re here to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for all. 🇪🇺These activities are implemented within the framework of the project "Provision of support to asylum seekers in Bulgaria", funded under the National AMIF Programme 2021–2027 with the financial support of the European Union. #IOMBulgaria #SupportForMigrants #AsylumSeekers #HumanitarianAssistance #Sofia #RRC #Protection #Inclusion #NoOneLeftBehind
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📌 "One of the smartest, most human-centered investments we can make is in well-governed migration." Amy Pope, General Director of IOM
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 $4 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐩 At a time when the world faces a $4 trillion annual gap to fund the Sustainable Development Goals, we must look beyond traditional approaches. One of the smartest, most human-centered investments we can make is in well-governed migration. Migrants power innovation. They build businesses, deliver healthcare, teach our children, and connect economies through trade and remittances. When we invest in safe, regular, and dignified migration, we are investing in resilience, inclusion, and opportunity. In our discussions on enhancing safe, orderly, and regular migration through development financing, with Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐨 𝐈𝐈𝐈, 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐡𝐮𝐫, and 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐫𝐨, we shared a clear message: migration matters for development, and it must be properly financed. At IOM, we are working with partners to unlock this potential, from remittances and diaspora investments, to financing pathways that support displaced communities and climate resilience. A great example is the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, a pooled mechanism designed to support country-led migration systems that are inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable. This is how we turn commitments into results. This is how we ensure migration becomes part of the solution, for people, for communities, and for our collective future.