The Ukrainian refugees who had a permit to stay in the Republic of Moldova before the outbreak of the war and after it can ask for a temporary identity card valid for at least a year. Temporary protection for Ukrainians is to be introduced by a Government decision, Jana Costachi, secretary of state of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated in a mayors’ forum entitled “Integration of refugees at local level. Exchange of good practices”, IPN reports.

The functionary said that together with the introduction of temporary protection, the Ukrainians who are in Moldova will have 90 days to decide if they need state protection or not. When they decide they need this protection, they will receive a temporary plastic ID card that any Ukrainian refugee benefiting from temporary protection will have to present at public institutions when they ask for any kind of help.

“So far the Ukrainians have been offered the right to reside in the Republic of Moldova in accordance with a decision taken by the Commission for Exceptional Situations. This means that any Ukrainian can confirm their identity with the passport. When they wish to benefit from temporary protection, besides the passport they will also present the temporary plastic ID card,” stated Jana Costachi.

According to the secretary of state, there are two conditions that the refugees need to meet when applying for temporary protection. The applicants will need to have their fingerprints taken and to confirm the legal residence address. The temporary protection includes unconditional access to such basic services as accommodation, education and healthcare and also to the labor market.

The last data presented by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum show that 8 342 Ukrainian citizens have applied for asylum in Moldova since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.