Bulgarian Interior Minister Calls for Stricter Punishment of Human Traffickers

Bulgarian Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova will insist for urgent review of the legislative amendments aimed at imposing stricter sanctions against human traffickers.

Bachvarova stated this during a working visit to the border check point near the town of Malko Tarnovo on Saturday, private bTV station informs.

She highlighted that countering trafficking was among the main tasks of the interior ministry along with the good management of the border and the safeguard of national security.

This includes the strict and prompt registration of migrants and asylum seekers in order to prevent them from falling victims to traffickers as they endanger the lives of these people, who are often children and women.

During her visit, the minister was informed about the results of the current specialised operations conducted by border officials.

Bachvarova also inspected the progress on the construction of the fеnce at the border with Turkey.

She highlighted that maintaining a high degree of readiness for a potential increase of the migratory pressure and the provision of the necessary organisation, conditions and cares for asylum seekers were among Bulgaria's priorities.