The problem of refugees is topical in the Republic of Moldova as well given that it is situated near a conflict zone. There are many Ukrainians on Moldova’s territory and the authorities should offer them support, Hanns Seidel Foundation program coordinator Violeta Sandru said in a public debate staged by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul” with the support of the Foundation, IPN reports.

“Our country must become actively involved in the ‘diplomatic offensive’ of the EU member states against violence and terror in conflict zones. In this regard, Moldova should revise its refugee policies and should impose clear rules and norms, in accordance with the European principles in this field,” said “Viitorul” executive director Liubomir Chiriac.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) underlines the role of society in the successful integration of refugees. “The refugees coming to Moldova need conditions to integrate such as Romanian language courses, psychological, material and even financial assistance,” said UNHCR Moldova protection coordinator Sergiu Gaina.

According to statistics, 433 refugees and 229 asylum seekers were registered in Moldova in 2015. Most of those who sought asylum in Moldova are Ukrainians and Syrians.

However, Moldova is a transit country for immigrants rather than a host country for refugees, said Ianus Erhan, of the Border Police. According to him, 266 Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis entered Moldova over the past six months. A number of 497 refugees left Moldova in the period. These included persons who stayed in Moldova for a longer period of time.

The calculations done by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum show that a one-day stay of a political asylum seeker in Moldova costs the state at least 241 lei.