The “buffer centre” in Elhovo for temporary accommodation of refugees has closed

The refugee centre in Elhovo, Southern Bulgaria, closed on June 2 after the last group of Ukrainian refugees who were temporarily accommodated there were transported to Gabrovo.The information was reported by the press office of the Council of Ministers.

Earlier in the day, refugees were transported to recreation accommodations in Pamporovo, Sofia, Pavel Banya and Bansko.

A total of 13 buses transported all people with temporary protection status to the state-owned accommodations in the country.

A total of 634 people stayed overnight in the buffer centre and the centre was used for less than 48 hours.

Tension in the centre escalated yesterday, several conflict situations occurred. Some of the Ukrainians complained that there was no food, water and they were cold. The biggest problem turned out to be the lack of information when and where they would be taken. Others decided against staying in the centre in Elhovo and left.

Deputy PM: Government shuts down relocation plan for Ukrainian refugees, until it is clear how many people really need shelter

***

On May 31, Deputy Prime Minister, Kalina Konstantinova, announced that the government was suspending the integration plan for the resettlement of refugees in the interior of the country. All Ukranian refugees in the seaside hotels who said they had nowhere to go were temporarily accommodated in buffer centers.