Ministry of interior partners with British embassy in media campaign against illegal migration

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior and the British Embassy in Bulgaria are working in partnership to raise awareness about the dangers of Illegal migration. Together they are delivering a media campaign about the role of heavy goods vehicles in illegal migration.  This initiative is designed to encourage both lorry drivers and the general public to spot the signs of people smuggling and report them to the authorities.

Illegal migration has a significant impact on Bulgaria and its partners across Europe and the UK. Criminal groups exploit the victims of illegal migration and the general public who are approached to facilitate criminal activity. Bulgaria is a key international partner working to reduce the harm to victims and the impact Illegal migration has on communities within Bulgaria.

The number of illegal migrations apprehended in Bulgaria is increasing year on year. Last year around 11,000 illegal migrants were apprehended, three times more than in 2020.

The campaign includes:

• Billboards at key border regions, printed in Bulgarian, English and Turkish, reflecting the international nature of this problem.
• Social media advertising targeting lorry drivers and those living close to key border regions.
• Posters at lorry driver rest facilities near border regions.

The two key messages of the campaign are:

1. Members of the public that notice suspicious behaviour should report it by calling 112.
2. Lorry drivers should be alert and ensure they secure their vehicles at all times, especially when crossing international borders.