The Republic of Moldova becomes “home” for thousands fleeing war
Due to armed conflicts and various other challenges that threaten their lives and safety, thousands of individuals from different countries were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the Republic of Moldova. In the first nine months of this year, the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) recorded 2,160 asylum applications.
The large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has resulted in a significant increase in the number of people seeking asylum in the Republic of Moldova, with 11,200 applications recorded in 2023. In 2024, this number decreased to 4,101 applications, but rose again last year to 8,153 applications.
The majority of these applications come from citizens of Ukraine, Russia, and Syria.
Since the beginning of this year, 70 individuals have been granted international protection status, primarily from Ukraine and Syria, but also from Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, and Uzbekistan. While awaiting a decision on their asylum status, seekers receive a temporary identity document valid for 30 days, which can be renewed monthly.
Integration through education, health, and jobs
The Republic of Moldova is actively collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Council of Europe to strengthen the asylum system and improve integration conditions.
Since the start of 2025, nearly 17,000 people, including 7,400 Ukrainian citizens, have consulted on topics related to temporary protection by calling the Green Line of the General Inspectorate for Migration at 0800 01527. Since its launch in February 2022, the IGM Green Line has received nearly 129,000 calls.
Protection with respect for human dignity
The significant increase in the number of asylum seekers has prompted the authorities to reassess the mechanisms currently in place. The government has proposed introducing more detailed rules on the minimum standards for granting temporary protection, emphasizing the importance of respecting human dignity.
This initiative proposes eliminating the current maximum two-year period for temporary protection and introducing a flexible mechanism that allows individuals to benefit from these rights for as long as necessary, especially for refugees from Ukraine.
According to the General Inspectorate for Migration, the principles being promoted are aligned with European Union legislation and are oriented toward full respect for the human dignity and right to asylum of seekers and their accompanying family members.
The Republic of Moldova has received widespread praise for its response to the refugee crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In an interview with Moldova 1 TV, the UN Resident Coordinator in Chisinau, Yesim Oruc, highlighted Moldova’s efforts as “a global lesson in solidarity.”
“I will always emphasize that Moldova, a small country with a big heart, has been recognized by the international community for opening its doors and welcoming so many Ukrainian refugees. The entire United Nations family has come together, alongside the authorities, to assist these individuals,” the UN Resident Coordinator said.
