Georgi Petrunov – University of National and World Economy, boul. 8th December, Sofia, Bulgaria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/ITEMA.2019.7
3rd International Scientific Conference on Recent Advances in Information Technology, Tourism, Economics, Management and Agriculture – ITEMA 2019 – Bratislava, Slovakia, October 24, 2019, CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS published by the Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans, Belgrade; Printed by: SKRIPTA International, Belgrade, ISBN 978-86-80194-23-3, ISSN 2683-5991, DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/ITEMA.2019
Abstract
Economic migration from the post-socialist countries to the countries of Western Europe continues to be a highly dynamic process, with large migration flows marking the second decade of the 21st century. Bulgaria is no exception to this trend: thousands of Bulgarians each year migrate to Western European countries. In search of well-paying jobs and a better life, some of them find themselves trapped in trafficking schemes and fall victim to the modern form of slavery. This report explores trafficking in human beings from Bulgaria to Western Europe, and in particular trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation. The research methods used include court case analysis and in-depth interviews with prosecutors, investigators, police officers, NGO representatives and victims of trafficking. The report examines the main reasons for involvement in labor trafficking, typical trafficking practices, recruitment methods, and the various forms and economic sectors in which the victims are exploited. Among the key factors for migration and labor trafficking the research highlights weak and slow economic development, high levels of poverty and social exclusion coupled with the marginalization of social groups, lack of adequate work and job insecurity, and high levels of crime.
Key words
Economic disparities, Crime, Exploitation
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