Sofia, September 24 (BTA) - The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) conducted a quick survey among its members, which showed that the main difficulties for getting an EU Blue Card are the slow procedure, lack of awareness, the numerous required documents and the insufficiently advertised opportunities to work in Bulgaria on a Blue Card, the BCCI reported here on Friday.

The EU Blue Card is a work- and residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals. It allows highly skilled professionals to work and live in the EU and provides comprehensive socio-economic rights and a path towards permanent residence and EU citizenship.

According to employers, the fact that Bulgaria has not completed the process of joining the Schengen Area is another reason for the insufficient interest of highly skilled workers from third countries to work in Bulgaria. The BCCI continues to demand that the administrative burden on businesses is reduced, as well as policies that allow for flexibility when it comes to hiring foreign professionals.

The Chamber and its members believe that some of the procedures are overly complicated, while the set deadlines can be reduced in half given that there is adequate interaction and quick electronic exchange of information between the responsible institutions.

National legislation has to be amended in order for the regulations concerning the EU Blue Card, adopted at EU level, to have an impact on the Bulgarian labour market, the BCCI recalled. The EU-level changes are in agreement with the Union's policies aimed at increasing Europe's influence in the digital world and Bulgaria must not retreat from its position of a country that offers high-quality IT and other services.

The BCCI hope the number of EU Blue Cards in Bulgaria increases in the coming years, adding that this is connected with this country's Schengen accession. A total of 61 Blue Cards were issued in Bulgaria in 2015 and their number increased to 706 in 2019, which is still the lowest number in the EU, the Chamber said. MY/МЙ/