Moldova continues to act responsibly in managing migration and asylum, promoting public policies adapted to current realities while prioritizing the protection of individuals and respect for fundamental rights.
In this context, the regular meeting of the Commission for the coordination of activities in the field of migration and asylum was held, chaired by Diana Salcuțan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The meeting brought together representatives of central public administration authorities, development partners, civil society, and other institutions with responsibilities in this field.
One of the first item on the agenda was the extension of the temporary protection mechanism for displaced persons from Ukraine until 1 March 2027.
Participants were briefed on the new mechanism for extending temporary protection status. While the status was previously extended automatically, the revised approach requires beneficiaries to express their intention by submitting a free online application within an approximately 90 day-period, without the need to visit public authorities in person. This streamlined procedure simplifies the process for beneficiaries and ensures more accurate and up-to-date data on the presence of displaced persons in the country. If a beneficiary of temporary protection does not submit the online application within the established timeframe, temporary protection will cease; however, it will remain possible to submit a new application.
The second panel focused on the strategic framework for migration and asylum. Discussions covered the results of the evaluation of the Programme on Migration Management, Asylum, and Integration of Foreigners for 2022–2025, as well as the proposed directions of action under the new National Programme on Migration and Asylum 2026 – 2030. The new programme aims to strengthen a coherent and efficient migration management system in Moldova, aligned with European standards and grounded in modern processes, digitalization, and enhanced institutional cooperation, while addressing both state interests and the needs of migrants and asylum seekers.
The meeting also reviewed the commitments undertaken by the Moldovan Government within the framework of the Global Refugee Forum. Discussions focused on the effective and sustainable integration of foreigners and displaced persons, strengthening the social protection system to meet the needs of all individuals, including refugees, reducing the risk of gender-based violence, and ensuring comprehensive support services for victims of violence. Participants emphasized the importance of effective access to essential services such as education, health, employment, and social protection, as key factors for social cohesion, the prevention of exclusion, and the development of local communities.
Since March 2023, more than 87,000 people from Ukraine, including over 20,000 children, have applied for temporary protection in Moldova. The policies being implemented aim to ensure safety, stability, and respect for fundamental rights within a modern and functional administrative framework.
