Moldova sees rise in foreign workers amid domestic labour gaps
More than 5,500 foreign citizens currently hold work-purpose residence permits in Moldova, driven by a growing domestic labour deficit across construction, agriculture, and delivery logistics, official migration data show.
Overall, over 23,800 foreign nationals reside legally in the country. To address compliance, the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) is running an information campaign titled "Legal Stay, Legal Work, Safe Migration" through October 16, targeting both migrant employees and their employers.
Recruitment shifts to Asian markets
Businesses are increasingly turning abroad to fill persistent personnel shortages in the local market. During the first half of the year, the majority of arriving foreign workers came from Nepal, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, India, and Sri Lanka.
“Economic operators find themselves unable to recruit staff locally and choose to bring labour from outside the Republic of Moldova,” said Cornel Triboi, Deputy Head of the General Inspectorate for Migration, during an appearance on public broadcaster Moldova 1.
While the primary intake concentrates in manual labour and logistics, smaller contingents also work in professional sports and the information technology sector.
Legal distinction between entry and work
Entering the country legally does not automatically grant a foreign citizen the right to work. Employers must initiate the paperwork for a work-based residence permit before employment begins.
“First of all, they must hold documents certifying the right to work in the Republic of Moldova, an individual employment contract concluded with the employer, and permanently possess their residence card,” Triboi said.
Exceptions apply to specific categories, such as accredited international journalists, maritime crew members, and academic lecturers, who may perform professional activities for up to 90 days under streamlined statutory rules.
Strict sanctions for non-compliance
Both employers and foreign employees face legal liability for unauthorised work or overstaying visas. Since the beginning of the year, migration authorities have issued 138 administrative violation reports regarding foreign nationals.
Nineteen individuals were placed in public immigration custody before formal deportation, while others received voluntary departure orders or faced enforced return. Employers who neglect legal requirements are subject to financial penalties.
Under national regulations, migrant workers are entitled to the same fundamental labour rights as Moldovan citizens, including working hour ceilings, paid leave, and occupational safety. Remuneration must reach at least 50 percent of the national average monthly wage, and individuals whose rights or passports are withheld are instructed to notify the State Labour Inspectorate or the police.
Foreign workers holding standard employment-based residence permits—valid for up to one year and renewable—also retain the legal right to apply for family reunification, granting eligible spouses the right to work locally.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
Ce acte trebuie să aibă un muncitor străin
Faptul că un cetățean străin a intrat legal în Republica Moldova nu îi conferă automat și dreptul de a munci, a precizat Cornel Triboi. Pentru angajare sunt necesare documente suplimentare, iar procedura de obținere a dreptului de ședere în scop de muncă este inițiată de angajator.
„În primul rând, să dețină documentele care atestă dreptul de muncă pe teritoriul Republicii Moldova, un contract individual de muncă încheiat cu angajatorul la care prestează servicii, să dețină în permanență cartea de rezidență, dacă vorbim despre străinii care au un drept de ședere în scop de muncă, precum și alte acte valabile care să le confirme identitatea. Trebuie să facem o distincție între dreptul de a intra și dreptul de ședere în scop de muncă. De regulă, străinii care muncesc pe teritoriul Republicii Moldova trebuie să dețină o carte de rezidență”, a explicat șeful adjunct al IGM.
El a precizat că există și categorii de cetățeni străini care beneficiază de reguli diferite. Printre aceștia se numără jurnaliștii acreditați, echipajele navelor maritime și cadrele științifico-didactice, care pot desfășura activități pentru o perioadă de până la 90 de zile, în condițiile prevăzute de legislație.
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