"Moldova Communities Abroad: Strengthening the Ties to Build a Future Together" was the subject of the Roundtable organized on July 10, 2007 in Chisinau, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFA EI) of the Republic of Moldova in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM Moldova).

The Roundtable presented and discussed the results of the study "Exploring the Link between Moldova and Moldovan Communities Abroad (MCA)" conducted by IOM, in the framework of the project "Capacity Building for Developing Migration Management Procedures and Migration Policies in the Republic of Moldova," financed by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The study results are based on data collection, formal interviews, informal meetings, limited on-line correspondence, and field visits to Italy, Russia, and Israel -- locations which attract most Moldovan migrants.

The research analyzed the strengths and the weaknesses of Moldovan Communities Abroad (MCAs). The main strengths of MCAs pointed out were the image of Moldovans as adaptive, reliable and motivated workers, the organic nature of their link with the homeland, and the active role of the church.

The weaknesses identified included the insecurity emanating from the illegal status of most Moldovan migrants abroad, the relatively low level of social cohesion among veteran and recent Moldovan migrants, and the absence of an Italian Embassy in Chisinau. Additionally, the research noted the following weaknesses: the very limited use of remittances (restricted almost exclusively to the personal consumption by families back home) and the deficiency of regular and reliable means through which Moldovan migrants could receive information from the homeland.

The study aims at assisting the authorities in Moldova to continue the formulation of policies that will strengthen the ties between Moldovan migrants and their homeland. It helps stimulate a discussion, which in turn will be an indispensable prerequisite for more effective development of sound and friendly policies in the area of migrantion/Diaspora.

The Roundtable brought together important Governmental stakeholders, representatives of international organizations, civil society, and Moldovan Communities Abroad who discussed ways of addressing the gaps and the recommendations of the study in order to fortify a stronger and more organic link between Moldova and its citizens abroad.

Please download the full report „Exploring the Link between Moldovan Communities Abroad (MCA) and Moldova” here:  English version  / Romanian version 

For further information, please contact Iraida Margineanu, IOM Chisinau, Tel. +373 222 329 41, imargineanu@iom.int