To set the scene, we have to renew Net's Lichna Carta and because the car is registered in Net's name we also have to renew that as well. Judging by last time, which was much easier than when we originally did them, we didn't really foresee any major problems. It wasn't as though we were doing it for the first time, and how difficult can it be to renew these items, particularly as they hold all of this information on file already. I spent last night scanning and printing copies of documents, trying to remember exactly what we needed last time round.
Stuart and his boys, who are new in the village, also wanted to get started on their Lichna Cartas so asked if they could follow us to the KAT office and also get introduced to Nick who we use for translation. We had arranged to pick Nick up at Kaufland in Gorna at lunchtime as he had been teaching this morning, so arranged to meet up with Stuart on one of the roads out of the village. When I went round to the Post Office and magazin this morning last night's snow was showing no sign of shifting, so thought it probably wise to leave a wee bit earlier than planned. Net and I sorted out the dogs and cats and set off, and arrived at where I said to meet in plenty of time. At half eleven there was still no sign of Stuart, so we had a wee drive round the village to see if we could spot him, not a sausage! We tried various places that could have loosely been taken for the meeting place, and Sod's Law it was the last one that we tried. He had also been early and had been patiently waiting for us. So off we set, the road was still a bit icy under a loose coating of snow, but being the only vehicles on the road we were able to avoid the worst areas. On getting to the main road I had to call a halt and remind Stuart that at this time of year he was meant to be driving with his lights on, which was quite fortunate as we passed two Police cars on the way into Gorna. We arrived at Kaufland without any mishaps, but once there encountered our first problem, the loos were locked. Luckily it was only for cleaning, so Net didn't have too long to wait with legs crossed. Whilst waiting I was able to stock back up on my baccy, filters and papers and Net bumped into Barb and Dave so she was able to have a bit of a natter. Also Suzy and David turned up, so even though the Food Fare was cancelled at the camp site yesterday it was good to catch up with people. Talking over the internet is all well and good, but is no substitute for meeting up face to face. Once Nick had turned up we set off for the KAT office in VT.
We arrived and there were no queues, which was a pleasant surprise, so I had hoped that at least our bits and pieces would get done and inroads made into Stuart's. There was only one woman sat in the immigration bit and we had to wait for her to slide her window open. Nick explained what we wanted to do, and was given a load of official papers to start filling in. The previous time we were given documents that had been printed out from their computers and had to state that nothing had changed, or if it had provide up dated copies of whatever had changed for their records. This time it was as though we were back to square one, and they wanted proof of this and proof of that. I did query are they sure that all of this is needed for a 'straightforward' renewal. So Nick goes back to the window and gets another list given to him, with the explanation that Net might have got divorced in the last 10 months since we last did her Lichna Carta, so all of the information was required. Things like Passport and EHIC I can understand, but proof that she owns property? Is that not why we had to set up a company? So Nick goes back to the window and checks whether a copy of the company document and proof that the company owns the property would be sufficient, the answer was yes but it would also have to be accompanied by a solicitor's letter. The next thing we were informed about was that we had to prove, with a letter from the bank, that Net had 3000 Leva in a Bulgarian account in her name. I did point out that last time I had to sign a statement, from a solicitor, that I would support Net and that they should have a copy of it on their files. Nick duly reported that to the woman behind the window, the next thing that was asked for was a bank statement stating that I have 3000 Leva in a Bulgarian bank account. I was starting to get a wee bit annoyed at the constantly moving goal posts.
I pointed out that I was in receipt of a military pension, and as it is a 'Crown' pension it has to be paid into a UK bank account and is subject to UK taxation, which was deemed to be acceptable last time. I was asked if I could prove that I am in receipt of a pension? Just by luck, yes I could, and produced my pension statement, according to the woman behind the window this wasn't acceptable as it was in English and not Bulgarian. When she said that we had chosen to live in Bulgaria, and had to abide by Bulgarian rules and regulations that was the final straw. I asked Nick to tell her that I wanted to see her supervisor or someone who spoke English. Now I am normally quite mild mannered but I had got really fed up with this woman being unhelpful, rude and downright bone idle, everything just seemed to be too much trouble and effort for her. Heaven forbid, she might actually have to do something.
Eventually a man turned up, supposedly a supervisor but could have been the window cleaner for all that I knew. He went into the windowed room with the woman and asked her several things, and then came out with a sheet of paper with a bit underlined. He informed me, via Nick, that it is a legal requirement that we have to have Bulgarian bank accounts with 3000 Leva in each. To which I enquired why, as my Lichna Carta is still valid, and that last time I had signed a statement saying that I financially supported Net and that all of this was on their files. I showed him my pension statement and asked why was this acceptable last time but not this, the answer because it is in English and might have changed. Fair enough it is dated 2007, but I pointed out that it states that I will receive no further notification unless my tax liabilities or conditions change. I was then informed that because I had questioned things that maybe this pension statement would not be acceptable. I asked what do they want exactly, 3000 Leva in Net's account, my account, both accounts, as at different times that is what the woman behind the window was demanding? I also explained that this pension had to be paid into a UK bank account, and that I used a card at an ATM to withdraw money. He then decided that the pension statement would be acceptable, as it clearly indicated what I receive each month, but that it would need to be translated and for me to make a new statement at a solicitor's certifying that I will support Net. So now they want more copies of paperwork that they already have on file. He also wants a photocopy of my ATM card, I don't think he will be getting that unless I get a written statement from the KAT office stating that they will be liable for any funds going missing. He assured me that couldn't happen, I did remind him that a couple of years ago everyone's company details were available for all to see on the internet which could have led to Identity theft. So unless I get that letter they don't get a copy of my card, which seems fair to me.
What a complete, and utter waste of an afternoon. We just have to hope that the same woman is not behind the window when we return for round two next week. Poor Stuart was looking rather bewildered, and I could see him thinking "I've got to go through all of this". I can see why some people say that they can't be bothered jumping through hoops at the KAT office. So since our first visit to the KAT office all of those year's ago there has been no progress, if anything it has gone backwards.
