A procedure for granting status of a stateless person was introduced

According to the recent legislative changes concerning the residence in the Republic of Bulgaria of citizens of third countries, foreigners can enter the country with a regular passport or a substitute travel document, which is recognized by the Republic of Bulgaria. Border control authorities shall not be granting access to the country to foreigners who do not comply with the said requirements, whereby an explicit written refusal in accordance with the standard form for refusal of entry at the border in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on the Schengen Borders Code shall be issued.

The amendments also introduce a procedure for granting status of a stateless person. In order to open such a proceeding, any person wishing to be recognized as a stateless person should personally submit a written application in a standard format to the Migration Directorate. During the procedure an interview shall be conducted with the applicant who is to prove his status as a stateless person in respect of the place of birth, former residence and nationality of his family members and parents. A UN Refugee Agency representative may also participate in the interview with the applicant with the right to acquire full information and access to each stage of the proceedings.