Bulgaria’s hospitality industry is facing an extreme shortage of staff which could leave many hotels closed during the upcoming European summer season.
While local workers are reluctant to accept low wages, seasonal workers are unable to obtain visas for the country. The situation has been exacerbated by Bulgaria’s recent accession to the Schengen zone. Employers are facing delays in obtaining visas for around 6 000 workers from Uzbekistan.
Acting Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev acknowledged the crisis and said public administration was working to address the issue, with amendments to the law being rushed through parliament.
