BHC: Vulnerable Ukrainians with Temporary Protection Left Without Support After March 31

On March 31, 2025, the latest extension of the Humanitarian Support Program for displaced persons from Ukraine with temporary protection in Bulgaria will expire. So far, the new coalition government has not provided any clarity on whether the program will be extended again or replaced with a new one—a matter that has been repeatedly discussed, revised, and postponed over the past three years.

The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) reminds that, according to Article 80, Paragraph 2, Item 3 of the Law on Asylum and Refugees, the program is part of the Action Plan for Temporary Protection, adopted by the Council of Ministers, and constitutes a general administrative act. This means that its adoption must comply with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Code, including public announcement of the initiation of the process, disclosure of the draft provisions, and conducting a public discussion. To date, none of these legal requirements have been met. This raises concerns that the program is either being developed in complete secrecy or is quietly being prepared for cancellation.

According to government data, as of today, out of the 60,804 Ukrainians with temporary protection residing in Bulgaria, only 9% (5,961 individuals) benefit from accommodation support under this program. The vast majority of them are pensioners and people with disabilities who are unable to support themselves.

If the program is not extended or replaced with a new one that at least ensures the protection of basic human rights for these vulnerable groups, as of April 1, a total of 5,961 elderly, sick, and vulnerable individuals will be left without shelter and food. The BHC calls on the government to take immediate action to prevent this impending humanitarian crisis.