Asylum and Temporary Protection
This page provides answers to the most frequently asked questions in the field of asylum and statelessness.
Persons who are not considered nationals by any state under the operation of its laws are stateless persons.
The main difference between refugee status and temporary protection lies in the nature of the protection granted and the conditions under which these forms of protection are provided.
● Refugee status offers long-term protection based on a well-founded fear of persecution by the authorities of the country of origin.
● Temporary protection is emergency protection granted to persons affected by crisis situations, for a limited period and with more restricted rights compared to refugee status.
If a person is in the process of applying for asylum, they are not allowed to leave the country during the examination of their asylum application, until a final decision is made by the competent authorities. If the person leaves the country, it is considered that they no longer need this protection, and the asylum procedure may be terminated or suspended, with the risk of losing the rights granted as an asylum seeker.
Foreigners who wish to apply for asylum must personally contact one of the regional offices of the General Inspectorate for Migration or other competent authorities, such as the Border Police under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, police stations, institutions subordinated to the National Administration of Penitentiaries, or provisional detention facilities under law enforcement authorities.
The procedure for recognizing stateless status may be initiated ex officio by the General Inspectorate for Migration or upon the request of a person who claims to have no citizenship. Depending on the case, the General Inspectorate for Migration will issue either a decision recognizing stateless status or a decision rejecting the request for recognition.
If you have returned to the country, your temporary protection status can be verified by scanning the QR code on your identity document you possess. If the document is no longer valid, you must go through the pre-registration procedure in order to obtain temporary protection again.
Any foreign national or stateless person can apply for asylum in the Republic of Moldova.
Yes, you can leave the Republic of Moldova if you have not yet received temporary protection and have decided not to proceed with your application. However, to avoid potential legal complications, it is recommended that you formally notify the authorities (GIM) about your decision to withdraw the application.
If you wish to travel to the European Union, ensure that you meet the legal requirements for travel (passport, visa, etc.) and are aware of your rights regarding international protection in case you decide to apply for asylum.
Persons who do not meet the conditions outlined in Government Decision No. 21/2023, including:
● Citizens of countries that are not in crisis
● Individuals who pose a threat to state security
● Persons who have committed serious crimes
● Persons who already have refugee status in another country
● Persons who cannot demonstrate a significant risk of persecution or danger
The renunciation request must be submitted in writing, clearly explaining the reasons for wanting to renounce temporary protection. You can do this in person at the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) headquarters.
The request should include your personal information (full name, temporary protection document number, etc.).
The submission of requests to renounce temporary protection on behalf of beneficiaries of temporary protection is allowed by authorized representatives, provided that a notarized power of attorney is attached. Through this document, the person being represented must clearly express their will regarding the actions to be undertaken by the authorized representative.
The application form can be downloaded here.
If you hold a residence permit in the Republic of Moldova, you cannot apply for temporary protection because temporary protection is a status granted to persons who do not have legal residence status and are in an emergency situation, such as an armed conflict or a large-scale crisis. Temporary protection is mainly intended for refugees and people facing a massive influx of humanitarian migrants.
In order to receive financial assistance under temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova, it is important to contact local authorities and organizations that provide support to refugees and protection seekers. They can offer social aid, emergency and integration assistance, as well as other forms of financial support depending on your needs.
Information available at the following links:
If a person already benefits from temporary protection in another country (e.g. the Czech Republic), he/she can remain protected in that country, but will not be able to apply for temporary protection in another country, e.g. the Republic of Moldova, unless certain conditions are met.
It is important to update your information in the database of the competent authorities. You must report to the GIM within 10 days with proof of your new address (e.g. rental agreement, a recent utility bill, etc.).
According to Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum, there are only two procedures provided:
● Administrative: A decision is issued within up to 6 months;
● Accelerated: After the interview, a decision is issued within up to 15 days.
In the Republic of Moldova, the procedures for determining refugee status are regulated by Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum and the internal regulations of the IGM.
Any foreign national or stateless person who expresses the intention to seek a form of protection may apply for asylum.
Temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova constitutes a legal guarantee of residence and access to essential rights for a limited period. In this context, a foreigner who opts for temporary protection is entitled to a 30-day period from the scheduled date of effective documentation. If the documentation is not completed within this period, the registration expires and becomes null and void.
Authorization to cross the state border, including exit from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, falls under the competence of the Border Police. In the case of a foreigner who has crossed the border illegally, it is essential to verify whether the administrative procedure concerning this act has been completed and whether any legal measures restricting the right to free movement have been imposed.
To obtain temporary protection for a newborn child, you must first obtain the child's birth certificate, and then follow the steps established for acquiring temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova.
Temporary protection is an exceptional form of protection granted on the territory of the Republic of Moldova in the case of a massive and spontaneous influx of displaced persons who cannot return to their country of origin.
We recommend consulting the categories of persons who, according to Government Decision no. 21/2023, can benefit from the granting of temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova.
As a holder of a residence right, you have the opportunity to request its extension for a new term. Upon meeting the legal conditions, you will benefit from legal and continuous residence for well-determined periods.
If you are among the displaced persons from Ukraine and are looking for shelter or accommodation, we recommend that you call the UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) Green Line at 0 800 800 11.
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