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The law does not expressly provide for access to reception centres for family members, legal advisers, UNHCR and NGOs. The law provides, however, that asylum seekers have the right to seek assistance from UNHCR and other government or non-governmental organisations.[1] Until the beginning of 2015, no limitations were applied in practice.
Presently, NGOs and social mediators from refugee community organisations who have signed cooperation agreements with the SAR are allowed to operate within the premises of all reception centres. Access to reception centres for other organisations and individuals requires a formal authorisation and is formally prohibited during the night. However, asylum seekers regularly report that traffickers and smugglers as well as drug dealers and sex workers have almost unlimited access to reception centres, except for the Vrazhdebna shelter in Sofia (see Conditions in Reception Facilities).
[1] Article 23(1) LAR.