“The occupation is a fundamental element for the successful integration of foreigners into another culture” – meet Hamid from Iran

Hamid Hoshiyar is from Tehran, Iran. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from the University of Semnan, Iran. While in his country he worked as a stock exchange broker and sales expert, for some time in his own small company.

We continue the series of stories about third-country nationals with the right to work in Bulgaria, who, contrary to understanding, are successfully integrated into the labor market in Bulgaria and contribute to the country’s economy.

Our series is part of the MIraGE project, on which WCIF is working with partners from several European countries. The project aims to ease the access and integration of third-country nationals who seek employment in the host countries of the European Union.

Hamid Hoshsiyar is part of this project.

Hamid Hoshiyar is from Tehran, Iran. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from the University of Semnan, Iran. While in his country he worked as a stock exchange broker and sales expert, for some time in his own small company. One of his most passionate hobbies is reading books and articles. Before coming to Bulgaria he lived in Turkey, where he worked for two years as a translator and general worker in various companies.

Because of his human rights work, Hamid had many problems with the Iranian authorities. This continued even after he was released from prison, where he stayed for political reasons. “Not only was I under control, but I was severely restricted from doing anything about the regime in Iran,” Hamid said. Not for a moment, however, does their pressure stop him from doing what he has to do. They tried to detain him again later and arrest him, but he escaped. “The reason I left Iran is the lack of freedom, and in particular freedom of speech, of expression. I couldn’t stay any longer. “- states Hamid firmly with deep conviction.

He lives in Bulgaria from the summer of 2019. Here he finds security and freedom. Hamid believes that he easily adapts to foreign cultures. He speaks several languages and this is definitely useful for him. In Bulgaria, some of his current colleagues helped him learn more about local culture and traditions.

Thanks to his experience and abilities, he found a job easily, the only obstacle is that he still does not speak Bulgarian language well, but he is happy with his occupation as a Persian translator and coordinator in the work with refugees and migrants in Harmanli for Wings Mission Foundation. He also works part-time as a translator at the Legal Aid Center “Voice in Bulgaria.” He has been a member of the Refugee Advisory Council at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bulgaria for a year.

“The occupation is a fundamental element for successfully integrating foreigners into another culture, especially when they see the country as a place to stay, not as a temporary stop,” Hamid said.

The next goal of the Iranian is to learn Bulgarian and then find opportunities to develop what he has already learned – in the field of computer technology.