Moldova : emigration and diaspora

Abstract

Moldova’s newly gained independence has led to the population’s full-scale migration. Due to a difficult socio-economic situation and low life standards, migration has become a common practice. It is of two types: permanent and temporary emigration (international labor migration). Approximately 1 million Moldovan citizens were included in emigration processes, which had a negative impact on the country’s demographical safety and its socio-economic development. Moldova’s authorities are concerned about this, yet, the solution to the problem is in the democratic context – a freedom to enter and leave the country according to the migrant’s wishes. The migration policy is directed towards the regulation of migration processes; work with Moldovan Diasporas; development of policies that would stimulate the migrants’ desire to return home; interacting with different international organizations; creating a visa-free regime between Moldova and the European Union. This article analyzes the work of Moldovan authorities in this field, in the last 5 years.