Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan - Moldova Chapter (2025 - 2026)

Almost four years into the conflict in Ukraine, Moldova hosts 138,00062 refugees from Ukraine, representing nearly 4 per cent of its population - the highest percentage of refugees relative to population size among countries in the Ukraine Regional Response. Refugees are predominantly women and children, comprising 89 per cent of the refugee population (41 per cent women, 23 per cent girls, and 25 per cent boys). Since the introduction of Temporary Protection in March 2023, as of end of November over 85,000 individuals have received Temporary Protection status. Additionally, more than 7,000 refugees have regularized their stay through the asylum system or by obtaining residence permits for work, education, or family reunification.

Moldova’s government has demonstrated strong commitment to refugee protection and inclusion, exemplified by its Global Refugee Forum pledges and in the development of the National Programme for the Phased Integration of Foreigners, including displaced Ukrainians. These commitments are increasingly embedded within Moldova’s broader reform and development agenda, notably through alignment with the National Development Plan 2025–2027. This policy direction aims to progressively include refugees into national systems, ensuring equitable access to essential services and supporting pathways toward solutions.

Despite facing significant economic pressures and structural constraints, Moldova continues to show remarkable solidarity by extending access to key rights and services to refugees. Nevertheless, gaps persist, particularly in social protection coverage, affordable housing solutions, and access to long-term healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires continued investment in national systems and targeted support to mitigate the impact on vulnerable refugees and host communities alike.
Moldova's response is characterized by a whole-of-society approach, underpinned by close cooperation between national and local authorities, civil society, development actors, and the international community, and aligned with the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees. While Moldova has set a global example in welcoming and protecting refugees, the sustainability and effectiveness of its inclusion efforts depend on sustained international solidarity. In this context, RRP partners remain committed to supporting solutions that strengthen national capacities, advance refugee protection and inclusion, and contribute to Moldova’s broader the country's development objectives, benefiting for both refugees and host communities.