Maia Sandu unveils diaspora return program: 'We need their experience at home'
President Maia Sandu announced the launch of a new program aimed at Moldovan citizens living in the diaspora who wish to return home. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to harness human potential and boost the national economy. The program will complement existing government initiatives, including the Return Assistance Service and various financing programs for business start-up and development, such as PARE 1+2.
The head of state appreciated, on the show "IN CONTEXT" on Moldova 1 TV, the patriotism and exemplary mobilization of the diaspora in the recent elections, highlighting the motivation of Moldovan citizens abroad.
"The diaspora mobilized. As always, it had a very good participation, it made greater efforts than those at home to reach the polling stations. It still loves the Republic of Moldova and does everything to help the country from which it left. We discussed it when we were in different cities on visits. Many people want to return. Some certainly wanted to know what would happen in the elections, if the Republic of Moldova would remain on the European path. Some are still worried about the war in the neighborhood. I really hope that this war stops, because then we would have had completely different perspectives for development", declared Maia Sandu.
The President mentioned that political stability and regional security are factors that influence decisions to return to the country, which would represent a potential contribution to development.
Referring to initiatives to attract and integrate the diaspora, Maia Sandu noted the need for programs adapted not only for investors, but also for those with professional skills who can capitalize on the experience gained abroad to stimulate the local economy.
"We have projects through which we try to talk to them about investment opportunities at home. We have an investment agency that works with them. However, some people do not necessarily have the financial means to invest, but they still want to return home. I said let's sit down after the elections with several of them and develop a program for their return, because there are many people with many skills, with many experiences. (...) That's what we will do in the coming weeks, months: let's see what program we can adopt for people who want to return home, active people and who want to participate in activities that are useful for the country and interesting for them", the president pointed out.
The head of state also spoke on public television about the demographic challenges facing the Republic of Moldova.
"We have a big demographic problem, because the number of people who can work is small in relation to the number of those who are now retired. The demographic situation does not change overnight. We analyzed the policies in several countries and came up with the single birth allowance, we came up with other incentives for families, but miracles are not happening here," stated President Sandu.
In the same context, Maia Sandu indicated labor productivity as another significant cause of economic stagnation, highlighting the urgent need for education reform and attracting foreign investment.
"On the other hand, look at labor productivity in the Republic of Moldova, which is an explanation for the insufficient evolution. We have the lowest labor productivity. Without increasing labor productivity, you cannot achieve economic miracles. Labor productivity is increased through education reform and technologies. Technologies come especially with foreign investments, for foreign investments we must have certainty. (...) European integration is, first and foremost, about peace, freedom, and human rights, but it is also about well-being. All countries that have joined the European Union have managed to grow their economies significantly", the head of state said for Moldova 1 TV.
We remind you that, in April 2025, the Government launched the Return Assistance Service, a one-stop shop that provides support to Moldovan citizens in the diaspora at all stages of return – from information to integration. At the same time, the Office for Diaspora Relations has developed a Return Guide, which includes information on social services, jobs and access to funds. Additionally, the PARE 1+2 Program offers financing for businesses established using savings obtained abroad, according to the following formula: 1+1 for start-ups (50%/50%) and 1+2 for expanding businesses (30%/70%). These instruments aim to facilitate reintegration and stimulate the economy through the potential of the diaspora.
