As the ski season approaches, mountain resorts are once again facing increased demand for workers. Hiring seasonal workers from non-EU countries has become common practice, Nova TV reports.
According to data from the National Employment Agency, analysed by the Bulgarian Industrial Association, just over 49,000 work permits were issued in Bulgaria in 2025, including 19,000 for seasonal employment lasting up to 90 days.
Since the beginning of 2026, more than 13,000 seasonal work permits had been issued by July 10.
Seasonal workers come from 55 countries, primarily from Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Almost half are from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, followed by citizens of Türkiye, Bangladesh, Nepal and Moldova.
Staff shortages and the sudden departure of chefs, waiters and receptionists are prompting businesses to increasingly recruit young workers from Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and Uzbekistan, according to the Institute for Market Economics.
Edited by Ivo Ivanov
Translated by Kostadin Atanasov