Illegal immigration

A significant development unfolded in Silistra, northwestern Bulgaria, where authorities successfully detained a group of eight illegal migrants, marking a crucial step in addressing the ongoing challenges related to illegal migration. The detainees, hailing from Syria and Iraq, included minors and were part of a larger group attempting unauthorized entry into Bulgaria.

Bulgarian border police successfully prevented approximately 180,000 attempts by migrants to enter the country illegally in 2023, according to recent data released by the Interior Ministry on Wednesday.

A dramatic scene unfolded on Sofia's "Botevgradsko shose" boulevard as authorities apprehended 28 illegal migrants traveling in a van with French registration, as reported by BNR.

Austria's stipulations for entry into the Schengen zone have sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties in Bulgaria, citing concerns of transforming the nation into a large refugee hub.

The Greek coast guard have rescued 38 people stranded on a wooden dinghy off the southern island of Gavdos, located south of Crete, authorities said Wednesday.

Former conservative prime minister Antonis Samaras has criticized a government amendment that would grant residence permits to third-country nationals living in Greece for many years without legal documents and working in undeclared jobs.

Samaras, who was premier from 2012 to 2015, said Greece was becoming a "beacon for attracting illegal immigrants" with such legislation. 

Greece's Migration Ministry tabled on Friday an amendment to a Labor Ministry bill which foresees granting a three-year stay and work permit to migrants who have entered Greece irregularly and reside in the country.  

Amid growing concerns over illegal migration, Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic reaffirmed the country's commitment to thwarting unlawful crossings during a visit to the Regional Border Police Center for Bulgaria. Reports from Serbian media outlined his statements, indicating a heightened focus on curbing illegal migration, particularly from Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

In October, Bulgaria's Interior Ministry revealed a significant decline in illegal migrant detentions by 41% compared to September 2023. A total of 1,359 individuals from third countries were apprehended, with 122 caught entering, 134 leaving, and 1,103 found within the country.

His anti-immigration message, which includes closing borders and deporting illegal immigrants ending the “asylum tsunami”, appears to have resonated with Dutch voters