This decision was taken by the government at a meeting on January 28 this year. As noted by the Minister of Internal Affairs Daniela Misail-Nichitin, “this measure ensures stability, predictability and continuity for displaced persons living and working in Moldova”.
The special regime for Ukrainian citizens was introduced in March 2023. It was last extended until March 2026. It allows Ukrainians to stay on the territory of the republic, work, receive education, as well as medical and social assistance.
However, unlike the previous rules of this regime, now the extension of the term will not be made automatically, as it was in 2024-2025, but on the basis of submitted applications. Beneficiaries of this status will have to submit an online application between February 1 and April 30, 2026.
If the conditions for renewal of temporary protection beneficiary status are met, it will be automatically renewed in the information system and the validity of the identity card will be renewed in the absence of the beneficiary. Confirmation of the renewal of protection will be available by scanning the QR code on the back of the document.
If the recipient of temporary protection fails to submit an application on time, the temporary protection will expire, but he/she will be able to submit a new application.
The new mechanism of electronic application will allow to update the statistical data on the presence of displaced persons on the territory of Moldova. This is necessary for a more efficient management of state resources and the asylum system. In 2024 and 2025, the beneficiaries’ identity cards were automatically renewed, and during this time many Ukrainian citizens left the country. In case of a refugee’s departure or absence from Moldova for more than 45 days, temporary protection is canceled.
According to the data of the migration service of the republic, about 87 thousand people have received such rights.
