On 22 November, at SofiaLab, Sofia Development Association presented the Bureau for Information and Services for third country nationals to Masters students in Public Management from the Specialized Administration and Management Institute of La Francophonie (ESFAM). The students marked the establishment of the Bureau as a great success not only from the point of view of their professional knowledge but also from their personal experience as foreigners in Bulgaria.

The dedicated work of Sofia Development Association in partnership with the Bulgarian Red Cross, UNHCR, “Vazrazhdane” Markets and over 13 NGOs on the establishment of the Bureau for Information and Services for third country nationals has led to easier orientation of foreigners in Sofia. The Bureau provides a wide range of services such as psychological assistance and accompaniment with translation when visiting different institutions and advice on issues related to labour market integration, health and legal issues, as well as cultural events. The students from ESFAM found that this diversity is due to both good organisation and strong cooperation with a common goal - to help every resident have easier access to work, education, training, cultural orientation.

CONNECTION project: CONNEcting Cities Towards Integration action, is co-funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.