The foreign citizens who settle in Moldova will have to prove that they have a good command of Romanian if they want to have the same social and economic benefits as the Moldovans. This is said in a bill adopted by the legislative body in first reading on December 22, Info-Prim Neo reports. The knowledge of the official language is an obligatory condition for obtaining the right of permanent stay and for economic, social and cultural integration of the foreigners. This does not apply to elderly people and persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Education will organize Romanian language courses for foreigners for money. The courses will be free of charge for refugees. The Ministry will also work out mechanisms for recognizing the professional qualifications obtained by the foreigners in their country of origin. Deputy Minister of the Interior Iurie Cheptanaru said the law forms part of the Moldova – EU Action Plan on Visa Liberalization. “The foreigners with a permit of stay will have access to the national education system, the medical and social protection services, and the labor market in the same conditions as the Moldovans,” he stated. The Communist lawmakers voted against the bill. “We are unable to provide our citizens with dwellings. Where will we take money from to accommodate the foreigners? What pensions and salaries will they have?” asked Communist MP Oxana Domenti. On December 22, the legislative body voted in favor of Moldova’s accession to the Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons, whereby they are given the same rights as the foreigners .