Legal framework for integration of foreigners in Moldova to be strengthened

Chișinău, September 23, 2026 – The Commission for National Security, Defence and Public Order will propose that Parliament consider in the first reading the draft law on the integration of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova.

The draft law, prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provides for amendments to several pieces of legislation in order to strengthen the legal framework in the area of integration of foreigners, so that it reflects recent developments in migration and asylum and contributes to increasing the efficiency, accessibility and inclusiveness of integration mechanisms.

The legislation proposes the establishment of an Interinstitutional Working Group on the Inclusion of Foreigners in Integration Programmes and Measures – a cooperation platform bringing together central and local public authorities, as well as other relevant institutions. The group will play an active role in assessing the individual needs of foreigners and may participate in the development of individual integration plans, particularly in complex cases or those involving persons with special needs. At the same time, the group will periodically assess how the integration process is conducted, identify any deficiencies and plan joint actions among the institutions involved, thereby ensuring a coordinated and effective approach.

The draft law also provides for the integration of sociocultural orientation sessions with Romanian language initiation courses. It also proposes eliminating the financial assistance granted to asylum seekers, given that their basic needs are already covered through the mechanisms provided by the related legal framework, which regulates accommodation, food, clothing and other material facilities intended for asylum seekers without means of support.

Foreigners holding residence cards will be able to become members of savings and loan associations, a right currently reserved for citizens and stateless persons. Persons in public custody will benefit from emergency legal assistance through the appointment of a duty lawyer, while applicants for recognition of stateless person status will have access to legal assistance regardless of their income. Beneficiaries of temporary protection will be included in the category of persons eligible for employment measures, including unemployment benefits. They will not automatically lose their status if their residence document expires while they are participating in these measures.

Most of the draft law’s provisions will enter into force on January 1, 2027, except for those relating to the new Law on the Admission, Stay and Supervision of Foreigners, which will apply from June 1, 2027.

In the Republic of Moldova, foreigners’ access to integration measures is ensured through the Integration Centres for Foreigners within the General Inspectorate for Migration. Last year, 162 people requested integration measures through these centres. Most requests came from citizens of Ukraine – 100 people, the Russian Federation – 18 people and Türkiye – 4 people.

Communication and Public Relations Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova