The General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) answers the top 5 frequently asked questions received from foreigners via the IGM Green Line recently. We will continue to provide regular updates and clarify the topics that are of interest to IGM beneficiaries.

1. How many procedures can an asylum application go through, and which are they?

According to Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum, there are only two procedures: administrative and accelerated.

• 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, procedures for determining refugee status are regulated by Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum and the internal regulations of the IGM.

2. Can a citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan apply for asylum in the Republic of Moldova?

Any foreign national or stateless person who expresses the intention to seek a form of protection may apply for asylum.

3. If I applied for asylum and was refused, can I still work in the Republic of Moldova and apply for a residence permit for employment purposes?

You have the right to work if you have complied with the general conditions for entry, stay, or residence in the territory of the Republic of Moldova, even after a decision to refuse the granting of a form of protection.

4. Do minor children need residence permits?

Please note that the residence permit is an identity document that confirms the legal right to reside in the Republic of Moldova and can be obtained at the request of one of the parents.
At the same time, we emphasize that according to Article 84(7) of Law No. 200/2010 on the Regime of Foreigners in the Republic of Moldova, foreigners who are temporarily and legally present may remain in the Republic of Moldova only until the date on which their right to stay expires, as established by visa, residence permit, or confirmation of the right to stay.

5. What does the principle of non-refoulement mean?

The General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) strictly respects the principle of non-refoulement, enshrined in Article 4 of Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum in the Republic of Moldova, as well as in international instruments to which Moldova is a party, including Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention against Torture.

Moreover, according to Article 63(3) of Law No. 200/2010 on the Regime of Foreigners, a foreigner cannot be removed from the territory of the Republic of Moldova if "there are well-founded reasons to believe that his/her life is in danger or that he/she risks being subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment in the country to which he/she would be returned."

In this context, during procedures of return, readmission, or removal under escort, the IGM applies individualized protection measures to ensure that no person is returned to a country where there are real risks of violations of fundamental rights.

To ensure compliance with the principle of non-refoulement, the following actions are undertaken:

• analysis of the situation in the destination country and the personal circumstances of the foreigner;
• verification of the existence of an asylum procedure, protection status, or tolerated status;
• consultation with competent authorities and, if necessary, international organizations (e.g. UNHCR, IOM).

The General Inspectorate for Migration acts strictly within the legal framework and in full compliance with the international obligations undertaken by the Republic of Moldova, guaranteeing that no foreigner is removed, expelled, or forcibly returned in conditions that would violate the principle of non-refoulement.

If you have other concerns, you can contact the GIM Green Line operators at 0 8000 2715, and they will help you find the best solution.