Foreign nationals living in the Republic of Moldova will have access to a wider range of integration measures, including Romanian language courses, employment support and legal assistance in certain circumstances. Parliament has passed a bill at its second reading that also provides for the creation of a mechanism for cooperation between the institutions responsible for integrating foreign nationals, IPN reports.
The draft, drawn up by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provides for information sessions and sociocultural orientation at the General Inspectorate for Migration’s integration centres for foreign nationals.
The document also expands certain rights for specific categories of foreign nationals. Residence card holders will be able to join savings and loan associations, while those held in immigration detention will be entitled to emergency legal assistance through the appointment of a duty lawyer. People applying for stateless status will have access to legal assistance regardless of their income.
At the same time, beneficiaries of temporary protection will be able to access employment support measures, including unemployment benefits. They will not automatically lose their status if their residence document expires while they are participating in such measures.
The bill, however, eliminates financial assistance for asylum seekers on the grounds that their basic needs are already met through other legal provisions, which ensure accommodation, food, clothing and other forms of material support for those without the means to support themselves.
Most provisions of the law will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The exception is the provisions relating to the new Law on the Admission, Stay and Supervision of Foreign Nationals, which will apply from 1 June 2027.
Last year, 162 people sought assistance from the Integration Centres for Foreigners. Ukrainian citizens made up the largest group, with 100 applicants, followed by citizens of the Russian Federation with 18 and Turkey with four.
