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Czech government officials today announced a new program to provide legal work opportunities for Moldovans in the Czech Republic. The program is aimed at providing university-educated and other qualified Moldovans jobs that will go unfilled by Czech and EU workers.
The pilot project, funded by the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, is open to Moldovans who can secure work contracts with Czech employers. Also required is a 90 day employment visa or a long-term residence and employment permit. The program offers participants the opportunity to apply after two years for permanent residence, rather than the current requirement of a 10-year legal continuous stay.
"This project is about opening doors to legal migrants and to fight against illegal migration as well as to prevent the negative social impacts on migrant families," said Vera Ivanovicova, project manager from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Beginning Nov. 25, information on the program will be available through the national toll-free Hotline on migration information. That number is 0-800-77777. Information can also be accessed from the website www.immigracijacz.org and www.migratie.md. Information pamphlets will also be distributed through IOM Chisinau.
Successful candidates will be allowed to settle in the Czech Republic with their family members, who could obtain permanent residence permits. The Czech Republic does not ensure employment, visa, accommodation, or other similar assistance for the applicants. Applications from citizens of Moldova will be accepted in Prague.
"The program is now operating in Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kazakhstan. From July 2003 to October 2004, 220 persons have been selected for the project, including 159 applicants from Bulgaria, 28 from Kazakhstan, 18 from Belarus and 5 from Croatia.
"It's essential for Moldovans to understand legal opportunities for working abroad," said Allan Freedman, Chief of Mission, a.i., IOM Moldova. "With this program, we intend to provide Moldovan citizens critical information so they can make informed decisions about their future."
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