Project ERIAS – examples of positive integration in the labour market

Nart Haroun was born in Syria and lived in Damascus. He is 29. He decided to leave his homeland because he didn`t want to become a soldier and kill people. The first country he moved to was Jordan but didn`t stay for long there. Then he went to Tukey and in a couple of days he arrived in Bulgaria. This happened in 2013.  His initial plan was to go to Sweden and start a new bright future but plans of refugees often change.

Nart received a refugee status and moved to the city of Plovdiv. Now he is working for Aladdin Foods - a company for fast food. He started as a duner guy and later he changed to an organizer – an administrative position responsible for the shifts.  He is also studying in the Technical University Sofia, branch in Plovdiv for third year. He has followed English and Bulgarian courses there. Nart speaks Arabic and some German as well.

For him the integration in Bulgaria went rather smooth. He found a job as soon as he tried. People around him have been very helpful – with issuing documents, adjusting flexible shifts at work due to the studying, etc. He says that the job is crucial for the integration.

When asked what does he like most of his job he openly says he likes the people, his colleagues, the everyday communication with them. According to him in order to find a job in Bulgaria, a man must have friends.

The future engineer sees Bulgaria from its good side. He is positive and focused on this point, ever. To be good for, him means to be big.