Bulgaria Amends Foreign Nationals Law, Adding 'Humanitarian Visas'

Bulgarian lawmakers voted on Friday to introduce tougher requirements for long-term visa applicants who represent foreign entities.

Under the new amendments, foreign nationals will be allowed to extend their stay in the country if they cannot leave it for a reason not depending on them. The change means a restoration of the previous regime which included such an option.

Long-term visas will be allowed to foreign nationals who have opened at least 10 jobs in the country.

One-off, short-term "humanitarian" visas will also be issued by border police authorities allowing for a maximum stay of 15 days according to the new changes, BGNES wire service has said.

The status of statelessness, described through the French term "apatride", has incorporated into the legislation through the vote.

MPs have also agreed to cut in half the minimum fine for entities transporting foreign nationals to and from Bulgaria without checking the validity of their travel documents and Bulgarian visa when one is required. Under the amendments, its value will be BGN 3000, down from BGN 6000.

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