Romanian language courses and integration support for foreigners in Moldova: Parliament passed bill on integration of foreigners

Chișinău, October 29, 2026 – The authorities will be able to better coordinate and monitor the integration of foreigners living in the Republic of Moldova. Parliament adopted in the second reading a draft law amending several normative acts to create more effective, accessible, and inclusive integration mechanisms.

The draft law, prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provides for integration activities for foreign nationals, such as specialized information and sociocultural orientation sessions, Romanian language courses, employment measures, and information on obtaining citizenship of the Republic of Moldova. These activities will be carried out in Integration Centres for Foreign Nationals within the General Inspectorate for Migration.

At the same time, the draft eliminates the financial assistance granted to asylum seekers, as their basic needs are already covered through the mechanisms provided for by the related legal framework, which regulates accommodation, food, clothing, and other material facilities intended for asylum seekers without means of support.

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

The draft also establishes the interinstitutional working group on the inclusion of Foreigners in integration programmes and measures, a cooperation platform between central and local authorities and other relevant institutions. The group will assess the individual needs of foreign nationals and may contribute to individual integration plans, especially in complex cases or those involving persons with special needs. It will also periodically assess the integration process, identify shortcomings, and plan joint actions by the institutions involved.

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

Last year, 162 people requested integration measures in the Republic of Moldova through the Integration Centres for Foreigners. Most requests came from citizens of Ukraine (100 people), the Russian Federation (18), and Türkiye (4).