The legal framework for circular migration in Moldova

Abstract

At the moment the legislation in force is limited to granting the right to stay for foreigners who enter the country and determines maintenance of this right based on the validity of a resident permit. When re-entering the country and/or re-applying for a residency right the authorities will check if the person fulfills the conditions for granting the respective right rather than the benefit for the country. For the Republic of Moldova circular migration, even as a concept, is something new and unexplored. Besides the Agreement and Protocol signed with Italy other bilateral agreements have a rather limited content, concentrating more on social aspects. At the same time the implementation of the Italian Agreement, based on circular migration schemes, is a challenge for the authorities. After all, the population who wanted to emigrate from Moldova is already settled out of the country or does not want to return. For the Republic of Moldova circular migration is a perspective for ?keeping? nationals in the country and for avoiding the negative impact of emigration and a way for stimulating nationals to invest in the country