Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Veselin Nalbantov: There is shortage of staff in tourist sector, consulates demand kickbacks from potential foreign workers

Veselina Nalbantov
Photo: BTA

"Money for salaries in the tourist sector has increased many times, but there are no staff in Bulgaria."  This statement about the state of the tourism industry in Bulgaria was made by Veselin Nalbantov, Deputy Chairman of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association. 

Veselin Nalbantov pointed out that the state does not have a comprehensive policy regarding future employees. "The staff is going abroad," he added, noting the wage gap as a problem. 

According to the deputy chairman of Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the way should be opened for the entry of workers from outside. 

"For this summer season, businesses have found destinations where people can come from - Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India," he said. The problem, however, is that people are forced to wait several weeks before they can submit their documents to Bulgarian consulates. 

"The solution is not to collect bribes. In Delhi, people wait and they are charged 250 to 300 dollars," Veselin Nalbantov gave an example. He is adamant that the tourism sector in Bulgaria works despite the state administration.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Iliana Ivanova, Member of the European Court of Auditors, who presented the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors for 2023 to the leadership of the Bulgarian Supreme Audit Institution

European Court of Auditors has found no irregularities with EU money in agriculture

Bulgaria has no errors in the absorption of EU funds in agriculture and natural resources for 2023, according to the annual report of the European auditors. The report was commented at a joint meeting of Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov and Bulgarian..

published on 1/15/25 10:10 AM

There is a parliamentary majority to form a coalition government

The parliamentary group "Democracy, Rights and Freedoms" - DPS will support a government of GERB-СDS, BSP-United Left and ITN in its vote in the National Assembly as part of the formation of a parliamentary majority.  Negotiations for forming a..

published on 1/15/25 9:53 AM

Bulgarian Consulate in Los Angeles issues recommendations to Bulgarians affected by the devastating fires

The Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles has issued recommendations to Bulgarians affected by the devastating fires in the city. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering assistance to those affected by the fires in California..

published on 1/15/25 9:43 AM