Author
In 2020, an amendment to the law re-arranged the approach towards the first country of asylum concept.[1] Presently, an application can be dismissed as inadmissible where the asylum seeker has been granted and can still enjoy refugee status or other effective protection in another EU Member State.
National asylum legislation does not envisage the first country of asylum concept separately from, or, in addition to, the “safe third country” lists.
In 2023, a working group[2] including SAR, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared draft lists of safe countries of origin and third safe countries, which will be proposed to the government for adoption during the first half of 2024.
[1] Article 15(1)(6) LAR.
[2] SAR, Response to the right of reply on the AIDA Country Report on Bulgaria, 8 April 2024.