Third-country workers seen as part of Bulgaria's labour shortage answer

A new analysis published by Bulgarian media outlet Dnevnik on 31 October looks at the role of third-country workers in Bulgaria, covering trends, seasonality and the wider impact on the labour market.

The piece points out that Bulgaria's working-age population is declining. Against this background, attracting workers from outside the European Union is presented as one possible part of the answer to the country's labour shortages.

But the analysis does not see foreign recruitment as the only solution. It notes that any strategy should also focus on activating and improving the skills of Bulgaria's existing workforce. That means helping more local residents into jobs and investing in their training.

This balanced approach suggests that third-country workers can fill immediate gaps, particularly in sectors where demand changes with the seasons, while longer-term efforts boost the domestic labour pool.

The analysis is part of a wider conversation in Bulgaria about how to manage an ageing population and keep the economy growing. While it does not provide specific data, it offers a framework for thinking about labour policy in the years ahead.