Chisinau, July 30, 2024 – Minister of Internal Affairs Adrian Efros hosted a meeting with the new Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Moldova, Ester RUIZ DE AZUA, who took up the mandate on July 17, 2024.
Minister Efros highlighted the crucial role the IOM has played in responding to humanitarian needs in the Republic of Moldova. The organization has provided consultative, logistical, financial, and material support, fostering a constructive dialogue with the Moldovan authorities and demonstrating openness to diversifying areas of intervention.
The official outlined several ongoing and future priorities for cooperation with the IOM, emphasizing the need for continued support in various areas, such as assistance in creating welcoming working conditions for foreigners; support in ensuring the resettlement process through the IOM/GIM Assisted Voluntary Resettlement Project and the relocation of displaced persons from Ukraine to Member States; support to the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) with the creation of an IT system that responds to national e-government policies, which involve digitalization and interoperability to provide quality services to foreigners and Moldovan citizens; modernization of the GIM website and streamlining the GIM Call Centre.
Additionally, Minister Efros spoke about the need for support for the following interventions: advocacy for the establishment of a new multifunctional center in Chisinau, including the GIM headquarters and the Regional Directorate Center; the negotiation of new readmission agreements and the analysis of migration causes; developing programs to assist displaced persons from Ukraine to integrate into local communities in the medium and long term, including educational and medical services.
At the end of the meeting, the officials reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the IOM aimed at addressing migration challenges and promoting humanitarian support.
