DOC // Foreign nationals in Moldova to benefit from Romanian-language courses and integration support

Foreign nationals in the Republic of Moldova will benefit from Romanian-language courses, sociocultural orientation activities, and support for integration into the labor market. The presidential decree promulgating the Law on amending certain regulatory acts concerning the integration of foreigners was published today in the Official Journal.

The document provides for integration activities for foreigners, including 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 conducted at the Foreigners’ Integration Centers within the General Inspectorate for Migration.

At the same time, the legislative amendments eliminate the financial assistance granted to asylum seekers, as 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.

Foreign nationals holding residence permits will be able to become members of savings and loan associations, a right previously reserved for citizens and stateless persons. Persons placed in public custody will benefit from 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 document establishes the Working Group on the Inclusion of Foreigners in Integration Programs and Measures, a cooperation platform bringing together central and local authorities and other relevant institutions. The group will assess the individual needs of foreigners and may contribute to individual integration plans, particularly in complex cases or those involving persons with special needs. It will also periodically analyze the integration process, identify shortcomings, and plan joint actions by the institutions involved.

Most provisions will enter into force on January 1, 2027, with the exception of those concerning the new Law on admission, stay and supervision of foreigners, which will apply starting June 1, 2027.

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