The authorities propose clearly distinguishing between the categories of foreign nationals who are eligible for assistance from the National Employment Agency, in order to ensure equal treatment for those who have settled or are working in our country. Thus, foreign nationals with the right to permanent or temporary residence (for the purpose of family reunification), stateless persons, beneficiaries of international protection, as well as citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area, and Schengen Agreement member states who hold a residence permit will have full access to active employment measures and professional integration services provided by the state.
At the same time, the draft aims to facilitate the free movement of labor. It regulates the status of unemployed persons moving between countries in search of work and introduces the concept of a “cross-border worker.” These changes will allow individuals who work in one member state but reside in another to benefit from social protection and receive unemployment benefits in accordance with European standards for the coordination of social security systems.
In addition, to stimulate the labor market and expand opportunities, the proposed law removes restrictions that require private employment agencies to hire exclusively Moldovan citizens, allowing them to hire staff regardless of citizenship.
The draft was developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and will be reviewed by the relevant parliamentary committee.
It should be noted that the document also proposes lowering the minimum age for access to employment services and measures from 16 to 15 years.
