All Ukrainians under temporary protection status have the right to stay in Bulgaria until 24 February 2023. Refusal of accommodation in a state-run facility does not take away their rights to social benefits, healthcare and education, or the right to work, according to Bulgaria's national operational co-ordination group on those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

More than 4 thousand Ukrainians with temporary protection (10% of the employable Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria) have already started working. Social benefits have been paid to over 20 thousand, and more than 500 children have started school.

• Bulgaria directs money from European programs towards aid for refugees from Ukraine

According to the new plan of Bulgaria’s HQ on Ukrainian refugees, the remaining Ukrainian refugees in the country in need of shelter will be temporarily accommodated in buffer centres, from where they will be distributed to state-owned facilities. According to the latest data from the Bulgaria for Ukraine website, just over 90 thousand Ukrainians are residing in Bulgaria. Only a week ago they were 99 thousand.