Ombudsman conducts inspections at all registration and reception centres and Border Police detention centres

On 12 June 2026, the Specialised Directorate "National Preventive Medhcanism" of the Bulgarian’s Ombudsman conducted inspections of all registration and reception centres of the State Agency for Refugees, as well as in the premises managed by General Directorate "Border Police" for the detention of third-country nationals. A report with findings and recommendations will be drafted and published after the completion of the inspections.

The inspections were conducted in the context of the entry into application of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which provides new rules which were not yet enshrined in national legislation. 

According to the new EU rules, the national Ombudsman will have a new task, specifically to act as an independent mechanism for monitoring compliance with fundamental rights in the screening procedures of third-country nationals. In this context, the Ombudsman will have a new mandate which include the conduct of periodic and unannounced on-site inspections, monitoring accommodation and detention conditions, examining reports of violations, and monitoring compliance with the rights of vulnerable groups, including children, people with disabilities, and victims of trafficking. In view of these additional activities, the Ombudsman will need additional capacity-building.