site.btaNew Project Helps Ukrainian Refugees Find Jobs

The Employment Agency has started implementing on Monday the "Solidarity" Project, financed under OP Human Resources Development 2014-2020, the Agency reported here in a press release. The Project will help with the labour integration of displaced persons from Ukraine with access to the labour market, who have arrived in Bulgaria after February 24. 

A total of BGN 46,594,860 are allocated under the Project in the form of financial grant aid. The Ukrainian citizens will be eligible to receive psychological support, vocational orientation, labour consultations and motivation to start working; join subsidized employment on a full time or part time basis at minimum wage for a period of up to three months; receive support at the workplace through a mentor, provided by the employer; receive a monthly integration bonus for up to three months in the amount of BGN 356 to help them pay rent, utility bills and internet. 

The Employment Agency explained that in  order to take advantage of these services, the Ukrainians must register themselves with the Labour Bureau directorates, which are placed across the country, where they can also file their applications. 

Employers wishing to join the "Solidarity" Project and hire people from the target group will be able to apply only electronically. 

During the period of subsidized employment, employers will get funds to pay wages to the Ukrainians they have hired in the amount of the minimum monthly wage (BGN 710) and the social security contributions owed by the employer. Such employer-owed social security contributions will continue to be covered, based on the minimum monthly wage, for those employees who have stayed after the subsidized employment period expires. This is yet another form of stimulus, the Agency said.