“DNK” and BAS are launching a research project among Bulgarians living abroad which will form the basis for a new package of legislative measures.
One third of Bulgarians living abroad say they would consider returning to Bulgaria but what specific conditions would turn this intention into a real decision remains a question without a scientifically substantiated answer. This is precisely why the “DNK – Movement for a National Cause” Association, in collaboration with the National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NIGGG–BAS), has launched an independent scientific study among Bulgarians living abroad on a long-term basis.
Prof. Dr. Nadezhda Ilieva and Dr. Milen Velikov from the “Economic and Social Geography” section of the National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography at BAS are participating in the design and conduct of this scientific study among Bulgarians living abroad. The aim is to establish not only what proportion of Bulgarians abroad are considering returning, but also which professional, economic, family, institutional and social conditions could turn this general intention into a real and sustainable decision.
The questionnaire examines the reasons for leaving, links with Bulgaria, settling in the current country, career prospects, family and children, housing and financial security, the quality of public services, trust in institutions, tax incentives and the conditions for long-term residence following a possible return. Particular attention is paid to the difference between measures that people perceive as useful and those that could actually change their behaviour. The study also examines respondents’ personal readiness to participate in the return process – through professional adaptation, utilising their own resources, entrepreneurship, living outside the capital, or sharing the experience gained abroad. The expanded socio-demographic and migration profile will enable the results to be analysed by country and length of stay, age at departure, education, professional status, family situation, the presence and age of children, housing and financial security, and the degree of settlement in the host country.
The results of the survey will form the basis of a new package of legislative measures by the “DNK – Movement for a National Cause” Association which the organisation will submit to the National Assembly with a proposal for these to be reflected in the 2027 state budget.
The survey is anonymous and is intended for Bulgarians currently living abroad. The data will be processed and presented solely in aggregated form.
The survey is available at the following address: https://forms.gle/GiFj6ZDMSkuQogEc9
