Author
According to the law, reception conditions include accommodation, food, social assistance, health insurance and health care and psychological assistance. These rights, however, can be enjoyed only by asylum seekers accommodated in the reception centres. Asylum seekers who have either opted on their own will to live outside reception centres or to whom the accommodation is refused (see Reduction or Withdrawal of Reception Conditions) do not have access to food or psychological assistance. Access to the basic health care is otherwise ensured as health insurance is in principle covered by the state budget to all asylum seekers regardless of their place of residence.
From February 2015, the SAR ceased the provision of the monthly financial allowance to asylum seekers accommodated in reception centres, based on the argument that food was to be provided in reception centres three times a day.[1] This situation remained unchanged until 27 July 2025, when the monthly allowance was reinstated with an amendment of the internal rulesof the asylum agency[2] and provided in amount of BGN 20, increased to BGN 30 from 1 August 2025[3]. This amount can be increased with 20 BGN more if the applicant participates in the maintenance, hygiene and development activities of the area, as well as to protect the property provided for their use. In 2025, three meals per day were thus distributed to all asylum seekers accommodated in reception centres. The food distribution to adults is provided once a day, while for unaccompanied children the food is distributed three times a day in order to prevent the excess meals to be taken from them by the adults. Since 2017, the food has been delivered by catering services and the quality, but also quantity of the food became one of the most common complaints from asylum seekers, accommodated in reception centres, along with poor hygiene and dismal living conditions (see Conditions in reception facilities).
[1] SAR, Order No 31-310, 31 March 2015, issued by the Chairperson Nikola Kazakov.
[2] SAR, Order [No. and date unspecified] 2025, issued by the Chairperson Ivan Ivanov.
[3] SAR, Order [No. and date unspecified] 2025, issued by the Chairperson Ivan Ivanov.