Moldova Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Refugees Until March 2027

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova officially announced on December 9th the extension of the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainian citizens. This vital support system will now remain in effect until March 4, 2027. This decision aligns Moldova’s national strategy with the broader European approach, specifically mirroring the Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460, which was adopted by the Council of the European Union on July 15, 2025.

This status extension ensures that Ukrainians residing in Moldova retain essential social and economic rights. These protections are crucial, covering the right to legal residency, access to the job market, educational facilities, and necessary healthcare services. The special regime was initially established in March 2023 and had previously been prolonged until March 2026. Moldovan authorities cited the ongoing, complex humanitarian situation resulting from the continuing military actions as the primary justification. They noted that a safe return for millions of Ukrainian citizens remains impossible at this time.

As of September 2025, the Republican Department of Migration reported that over 132,000 refugees from Ukraine were still present in the country. Of this total, approximately 76,000 individuals were officially registered under the Temporary Protection (TP) framework. Moldovan officials have observed a high degree of economic integration among the refugees. Data from September 2024 indicated that roughly 60% of Ukrainian refugees held formal employment. The government has committed to continuing collaborative efforts with international organizations and civil society partners to enhance integration programs and employment assistance initiatives.

In a significant move to bolster integration efforts, the "Cities and Regions for All (CR4A)" project was launched in June 2025. This initiative carries a budget of 1.5 million euros and is being implemented in partnership with the Czech Republic, with co-financing provided by the European Union. Furthermore, substantial attention is being paid to expanding social guarantees within the healthcare sector. During the first half of 2025, access for TP holders was significantly broadened to include reimbursement for medications, alongside specialized support for cancer treatment and crucial mental health services. These targeted measures complement broader integration strategies, such as the introduction of a specific employment project focused on the agricultural sector.

The synchronization with established European standards, formalized by the Council of the EU Decision, underscores Chisinau’s commitment to a unified approach in managing migration flows. This includes facilitating data exchange among EU member states to prevent the duplication of protection statuses. The Republic of Moldova, as an EU candidate country, is demonstrating considerable commitment to supporting the displaced population. This action reaffirms its dedication to providing secure and effective conditions for all those who have arrived seeking refuge.