WORK ABROAD

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BULGARIANS

Abstract

Since 1989 onwards an intensive external migration has been observed in Bulgaria. A part of the settlers and the long-term migrants, a huge group of short-term migrants took shape. In the article have been discussed some basic characteristics of the temporary external migration, Bulgarians’ working abroad experience and its effects, drawn on the basis of an empirical investigation, The major part of Bulgarians going to work abroad are motivated by the higher incomes. The main destinations are Spain and Greece. As a rule the labor they accept is unskilled. Very often they work
without any contract and benefits. Money earned abroad, are spent on current expenses. Respondents think that after working abroad they have a higher self-confidence, new information and abilities. But special attention should be paid to migrants’ assessments that their health has worsened.
The investigated problem is very complicated, with multiple and contradictory determinants and effects and in order to understand it better and to be in a better position to formulate corrective measures, specialized studies are needed