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The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the implementation of a new version of the National Visa Information System (NVIS).
Key Points:
Background: The new NVIS is a large-scale project between Bulgaria and the European Union. The European Council recently agreed to lift controls at air and sea borders in Bulgaria, paving the way for the country to officially join the Schengen area. The Schengen area is an important component of the EU’s legal framework, and the change should also be significantly positive for Bulgarian nationals who now have additional access to the world’s largest free travel zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing a new version of NVIS in anticipation of Bulgaria’s joining the Schengen area.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Bulgarian government has eased employment requirements for some third-country nationals.
BAL Analysis: Bulgarian authorities updated the employment requirements for non-EU nationals intending to work in a highly skilled profession to ensure third-country nationals are qualified for their positions.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Bulgarian government has lifted all COVID-related travel restrictions for those entering the country.
Additional Information: In case of new virus variant, an “emergency brake” can be applied to the lifting of the COVID-19 travel restrictions. More information regarding the Bulgaria’s decision to lift COVD-19 travel restrictions is available here.
BAL Analysis: COVID-19 travel restrictions will no longer apply to those traveling to the Bulgaria. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Bulgarian government has created a COVID-19 “Dark Red” country list, imposing strict limitations on travel from the 23 countries on the list.
Additional Information: A complete list of entry requirements and exemption is available here. A list of green, red and orange countries is available here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Bulgarian government has extended its entry requirements for travelers from green, orange and red countries until March 31.
Additional Information: A complete list of entry requirements and exemptions is available here. Currently, Romania and the Vatican are on the green list; Australia, Canada, the U.S. and the majority of the EU, among others, are on the red list; and countries not on the green or red list are designated as orange. A list of green, red and orange countries is available here.
High Priority
What is the Brexit news? Bulgaria has published plans that would administer the status of U.K. nationals under a no-deal Brexit.
BAL Analysis: The U.K. is set to leave the European Union and the U.K. Parliament has yet to pass a withdrawal agreement. Although the EU granted the U.K. a Brexit extension, it is still possible that it will leave the EU without a deal. Bulgaria’s plan provides some certainty to non-EU family members of U.K. nationals, as they will retain their current status until Dec. 31, 2019 and will be able to apply for an alternative permit type in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network partner Matrix Relocations in Bulgaria. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? Bulgaria has implemented the EU’s posted workers directive, imposing new notification and documentation requirements on foreign companies sending employees to work in Bulgaria.
What does the change mean? A notification of secondment must be submitted by Feb. 10 for all workers currently on secondment in Bulgaria, regardless of their nationality. For new secondments, notification must be filed before the first day of work in Bulgaria. A new notification must be submitted within seven days when there are changes to the posting details. Companies will also be required to keep signed letters of assignment, payslips, timesheets and notifications of secondment on file and available for inspection in Bulgaria at all times during the assignment and for a year after the assignment ends.
Background: Bulgaria implemented the new rules pursuant to the EU’s Enforcement Directive on Posted Workers. An online notification system is expected to be set up eventually, but for now, the notification requirement must be completed at the local office of the General Labour Inspectorate. Companies sending employees to Bulgaria must designate a person in Bulgaria who is able to make documents available upon request. Relevant documents—letters of assignment, payslips, timesheets and notifications of secondment—should be kept for at least a year after the secondment ends. For employees currently on assignment, all relevant documents from Jan. 6 forward should be retained.
BAL Analysis: Affected companies should make sure they follow Bulgaria’s new secondment procedures and documentation requirements. BAL is available to assist in the notification process or with any questions about what is required to stay in compliance with the new rules.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Bulgaria. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.