---
title: "Moldova cannot forcibly return citizens abroad, Nosatîi says"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/89639/moldova-cannot-forcibly-return-citizens-abroad-nosatii-says
published: 2026-11-07T15:01:22Z
language: en
author: "Bogdan Nigai"
section: "Diaspora"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova cannot forcibly return citizens abroad, Nosatîi says

> Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi says a draft law on states of siege and war does not provide for the forced return of Moldovan citizens living abroad.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/5fd501a4-ac00-4a4a-9f0c-1e9dceb355a3.jpg)

Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi says a draft law on states of siege and war does not provide for the forced return of Moldovan citizens living abroad.

**What the draft law provides**

In a message to citizens, Nosatîi said the authorities had no mechanism to forcibly bring Moldovans back from other countries. He cited Ireland and Italy as examples and said citizens wishing to contribute to the country's defence could contact Moldovan embassies or consulates.

*“There is no mechanism through which anyone can be forcibly brought back from Ireland, Italy or any other country. It is not in the draft, and it cannot be implemented. The only new provision is that, if necessary, anyone who wants to defend their country will know where to turn: an embassy or a consulate. That's all,”* Nosatîi said.

However, Article 20 of the draft law sets out a return obligation for a specific category of citizens abroad: those subject to mobilisation requirements who have received a call-up order or formal notification. They must take the necessary steps to return to Moldova and report to the designated location within the specified timeframe.

This provision does not, on its face, authorise Moldovan authorities to physically retrieve citizens from other countries. The distinction between a legal obligation to return and forced repatriation is central to understanding the controversy.

**Existing legislation dates back to 2004**

Moldova has had legislation regulating states of siege and war since 2004, but it has never been applied, the defence minister said.

*“I am sure you have heard, as I have, that the diaspora will be forcibly brought home. That's not true. The word 'diaspora' does not appear anywhere in the draft law,”* Nosatîi said.

The Ministry of Defence drafted the new legislation to update the legal framework governing the declaration of a state of siege and a state of war, taking into account changes in the security environment and legislative developments over the past 22 years.

The draft has sparked public controversy following interpretations that Moldovan citizens living abroad could be required to return in the event of mobilisation.

The document must still undergo approval procedures and public consultations before being considered by the Government and Parliament. Public consultations are scheduled to continue until November 17, 2026.

In its current form, the draft law provides for the new provisions to enter into force on January 1, 2027, provided it is adopted by that date.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

**RELATED COVERAGE**

* [New siege or war rules: movement restrictions, election suspension, and diaspora obligations](https://www.moldova1.md/p/89216/new-siege-or-war-rules-movement-restrictions-election-suspension-and-diaspora-obligations)

* [Maia Sandu defends new law on state of siege and war](https://www.moldova1.md/p/89570/maia-sandu-defends-new-law-on-state-of-siege-and-war--we-need-a-legal-framework-for-serious-situations-too-)

* [Moldova and Romania secure joint military procurement through the European SAFE mechanism](https://www.moldova1.md/p/89166/)

* [In 2026, Moldova's airspace was violated 67 times, with nearly a third in October](https://www.moldova1.md/p/89200/in-2026-moldova-s-airspace-was-violated-67-times-with-nearly-a-third-in-october)

* [Moldova’s military deal with Ukraine sparks heated parliamentary row](https://www.moldova1.md/p/88990/moldova-s-military-deal-with-ukraine-sparks-heated-parliamentary-row)