SHARE

red-house-exterior-webA debate titled “Bulgaria 2010 – What Policies towards Refugees and Immigrants Do We Want?” will be held on 18 October at the Red House Center for Culture and Debate.

Bulgaria’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, combined with its entry into the European Union, seem to have led to a surge in popularity as a destination for foreign individuals and groups seeking safety, shelter, and the opportunity for a better life, thanks to the wide availability of necessary resources and immigration advice service providers. However, immigration laws need to be reviewed and updated to meet this changing social situation.

At present, there are two competing bills under consideration to fill the gaps in current legislation, one prepared by the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the other put together by a coalition of seventeen non-governmental organizations.

In anticipation of the coming parliamentary reading of these bills, the Red House would like to raise the following questions for consideration:

  • What are the principal problems in the treatment of refugees and immigrants in Bulgaria, and what solutions might be made available to address them?
  • How do the positions of the state and civil society overlap or differ?
  • What should be Bulgarian policy towards immigrants and refugees after the new law has been passed?

With participation expected from the Migration Directorate of Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Refugee Agency, the Ministry of External Affairs, activist members of civic organizations for the protection of immigrant and refugees’ rights, immigrants, lawyers, immigration experts, and sociologists.

Entry tickets cost 2 leva per person. Discount tickets are 1 leva for students, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The debate will be held in Bulgarian.

Information:

18 October 2010

19:00

The Red House Center for Culture and Debate
15, Ljuben Karavelov St.
Sofia 1142, Bulgaria
(t/f) + 359 (0)2 988-8188

Reserve a ticket online

[ad#Google Adsense Bulstack 468×60 post banner]