Moldova extends temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine until 1 March

The Republic of Moldova remains in solidarity with Ukraine, continues to help Ukrainians who are sheltering from the inhuman and illegal war launched by Russia in the neighboring country, and advocates for lasting peace. Ukrainian refugees will benefit from temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova until 1 March 2027, according to a decision approved today by the Government. In addition, for current beneficiaries of this status, a mechanism has been introduced to extend temporary protection by submitting an online application between 1 February and 30 April 2026.

"This measure provides stability, predictability and continuity for displaced persons who live and work in our country. We continue to offer protection to vulnerable people, ensuring access to education, healthcare and employment," said Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

The new mechanism for extending temporary protection status through an electronic application will allow for the updating of statistical data on the presence of displaced persons on the territory of Moldova, contributing to the efficient management of public resources, maintaining security and avoiding the overburdening of the asylum system. In 2024 and 2025, the identity documents of beneficiaries were extended automatically, and in the meantime many people have left the Republic of Moldova.

Thus, beneficiaries of temporary protection who have already obtained this status will need to submit their extension request electronically between 1 February and 30 April 2026. If the legal conditions for extension are met, the status of temporary protection beneficiary will be automatically extended in the information system, and the validity of the identity document will be updated without the beneficiary having to appear in person. The person will be able to verify the extension of protection by scanning the QR code on the back of the document.

If a beneficiary of temporary protection does not manage to submit the online application during the period, the temporary protection will cease, but it will still be possible to submit a new application.

At the same time, the draft provides for the obligation of minor beneficiaries of temporary protection who have turned 14 years old between 1 March 2023 and 1 January 2026 to appear at the General Inspectorate for Migration for fingerprint data collection.

Since 1 March 2023, more than 87,000 people from Ukraine have requested temporary protection on the territory of our country, around 20,000 of whom are children. In the Republic of Moldova, 18 temporary accommodation centers are operating, with a capacity of 1,111 places, and an occupancy rate of 82%.

The temporary protection mechanism in the Republic of Moldova offers Ukrainian refugees the possibility to remain legally in the country, work, study and access social and medical services. In the event of the refugee’s voluntary repatriation or their absence from the territory of the Republic of Moldova for a cumulative period of more than 45 days, temporary protection is cancelled.