As many as 779 Ukrainian refugees were transported to European states by air as from February 24, by the refugee transfer program implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs together with the European Commission, IPN reports.

Secretary of state at the Ministry Daniella Misail-Nikitin told a news conference that besides flights, there were also organized 800 load transport routes. Over 5,000 refugees were taken to Romania, Lithuania, Germany, and France.

“We will be able to help the citizens who remained in the country only by efficient coordination, cooperation and continuous informing of the population about the relocation opportunities, surely with the support of the partners from the European states, which are disposed to lend a hand to those who need it,” stated Daniella Misail-Nikitin.

A number of states expressed their readiness to accept Ukrainian refugees who entered Moldova. Among these are Lithuania, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Spain. The mechanism with Portugal, Greece, Norway, Scotland and the Netherlands is being finalized.

The temporary protection mechanism is activated for the refugees who arrive in the aforementioned countries. This enables them to stay in an EU member state for about 12 months. The period can be extended to two-three years. By this mechanism, the Ukrainian refugees can receive assistance for everyday life, such as accommodation, food and hygiene products, can become employed and benefit from medical assistance, while their children can be enrolled at school or kindergarten.

Information about the free flights can be obtained by three methods – by filing out a form on dopomoga.gov.md, by calling the Call Center of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum on 0 800 0 15 27 or by going to the UNHCR information unit at “Moldexpo”.

The next free flight will be operated to Germany on April 11.