Standard Operating Procedures for FOREIGNERS

MEASURE 2.2.

SUPPORT DURING THE RECOVERY AND REFLECTION PERIOD

All foreign nationals identified as victims of trafficking are entitled to a one-month reflection period.

  • Asylum seekers

The use of a reflection period and the accompanying measures for victims of trafficking in the care of the State Agency for Refugees are provided and planned together with the International Protection Proceedings Departments. Each case is treated individually in view of the interests and safety of the trafficked person.

  • Illegal residents

If the trafficked person is staying illegally in the country and has been accommodated in a Home for Temporary Accommodation of Foreigners with MoI Migration Directorate in a coercive procedure, the person may be placed immediately for a reflection period at a shelter for trafficked persons which is part of the NRM. According to CTHBA, the victim is entitled to a temporary residence permit for the duration of the reflection period. The victim is also entitled to receive psychological, social and legal aid as specified in the NRM for the duration of the reflection period.

If the trafficked person decides to cooperate in the investigation to detect the perpetrators, the person receives a special protection status in accordance with Article 25 CTHBA and a long-term residence permit for the duration of the criminal proceedings (Article 41, paragraph 1, item 17 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).

Ministry of Interior (MoI)

Crisis intervention with respect to illegal residents placed in SHTAF is carried out by staff of Migration Directorate under the terms of closed regime for the time necessary to organise their transfer to a centre for victims of trafficking.

State Agency for Refugees (SAR)

Crisis intervention is offered to foreigners identified as victims of trafficking when they are accommodated in a transit centre, a registration and reception centre or another shelter of SAR by the employees of the respective division. The person is referred to service providers under the NRN in order to receive psychological and legal help during the reflection period.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Foreign nationals who are victims of trafficking and have sought or received protection are referred to service providers in the NRM to receive psychological and legal help during the reflection period.
SUPPORT DURING THE RECOVERY AND REFLECTION PERIOD
CRISIS INTERVENTION

1

Social inclusion (re-integration)

2

Identification and referral

3

Protection and support