Republic of Moldova

Moldova continues to provide a positive environment for the protection and inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless people, despite limited resources and ongoing political and security challenges. Hosting one of Europe’s highest refugee-to-host population ratios (5%), the country sheltered around 136,000 refugees from Ukraine by the end of 2024, mostly women and children (81%), older persons (23%), and people with disabilities (10%).

The government remains stable and oriented toward the European Union, but economic hardship and security concerns persist. With nearly a third of the population living below the poverty line, economic pressures remain high. The ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions with the breakaway Transnistrian region, and dependency on external energy sources continue to pose risks.

Refugee support remains strong among both the government and the public. Temporary Protection (TP) is the main form of legal stay, with 66,000 individuals granted TP and another 10,000 holding residence permits, asylum claims, or international protection status.

However, reductions in humanitarian aid in 2024 have impacted services. Some NGOs closed operations, and more refugees are reporting urgent, unmet needs. While efforts to include refugees in national systems continue, support for the most vulnerable remains a priority for UNHCR and partners.