Employer Diana Lazarova: “As employers, we are first and foremost people and our employees can count on our support”

– How did you start hiring refugees in your company Sament Engineering EOOD?

When visiting a company for processing stone for furniture, we quite by chance saw guys who did not speak Bulgarian working there. We asked what they were like and how they were hired. The company was very kind to provide us with Caritas’ contact details and that’s how we contacted them.

– When did you start working with Caritas? What kind of refugees are currently working for you and how many?

From 2021 to the present, we have been working in very good cooperation with Caritas Sofia. Currently, four people of Syrian origin and three of Ukrainian origin are working.

– How did Caritas help you in this process?

We made a brief presentation of our company to Caritas Sofia, explained what kind of staff we need and almost immediately we were presented with several applications that were hired. Subsequently, we built mutual trust in this process and so far we have been interacting and working actively. We have hired people from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine.

– How does the partnership with Caritas help you?

First of all, with the provision of a workforce in the great shortage of such. Full assistance in the interview process, both with translations and in presenting the specific aspects of working conditions for refugees in Bulgaria.

– Are there any specifics that other employers should take into account?

Yes, refugees of Arab origin are in most cases people with a different culture, religion and national psychology, who do not speak other languages. Taking into account the reason why they are forced to seek survival for themselves and their families in other geographical latitudes, namely war, severe economic and social crises, all these factors determine a not very easy situation that these people are facing. That is, we employers are obliged to take responsibility for them not only as a workforce, but above all as people with a different social status and needs.

– What are the main challenges you encounter when hiring refugees?

One of the main challenges is the language barrier. Some of them are qualified to varying degrees with potential for development, but difficult communication is sometimes an obstacle to this process. Most of them refuse to learn the Bulgarian language. Another challenge is the lack of stability in the workplace, especially younger people are in constant search for something “better” according to their cultural ideas. It is difficult for them to accept the slightly different functioning of the labor market, such as the fact that payment is not on a daily or weekly basis; for each absence, certain requirements must be met according to the Labor Code.

– And the main positive experiences?

If you manage to gain their trust, to touch their soul, these people can be extremely loyal and “move mountains” for you.

– How do you help refugees integrate better in their workplace and in the community?

With a completely individual approach. With more patience in the process of entering the workplace. By increasing qualifications when there are prerequisites, which also leads to an improvement in financial status. With the assurance and actions that we as employers are, above all, people and can count on any support in social life.

– What are their distinctive skills/traits that contribute to their work?

What is impressive about most of them is that they are hardworking and executive. They simply know the “price” of having a job, especially family jobs.

– Would you recommend Caritas Sofia and the possibility of hiring employees from the refugee group to your partners?

Categorically, this is an exceptional alternative to the State in providing labor. We are all witnesses to the exceptional shortage of labor. From the State side, employers do not feel support and such a figure as Caritas is in our absolute support, with their flexibility, efficiency and assistance throughout the entire process, which continues even after a candidate is hired. We continue to be in constant contact.

This publication is part of the project activities under the Framework Agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees No. PFA-BGR-23021-263400-00 and Project No. 23021Y24M263400 – and partners “Rousse Catholic Organization – Caritas”, Association “Caritas – Sofia” and Foundation “Charitable Catholic Organization Caritas Vitania”