IOM Diaspora Survey Report

IOM Moldova carried out a rapid empirical assessment of the impact of Covid-19 on Moldovan citizens residing abroad over the period 17 April – 17 May 2020 in order to better understand how and to what extent Covid-19 pandemic impacts welfare of labour migrants originating from the Republic of Moldova, and to identify key challenges, vulnerabilities, expectations and specific needs of Moldovan migrants in the context of pandemic. To collect empirical data the methodological tools in the form of on-line questionnaire were used. In addition, semi-structured interviews with migrants workers and representatives of diaspora from the ten destination countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland, United Kingdom, Poland, Russian Federation and Israel were carried out (which host circa 80% of all Moldovan migrants). The survey was conducted among 1,186 Moldovan migrants (38% men and 62% women) including more in-depth interviews with 59 respondents, among which 49 migrants and 10 leaders of diaspora organizations from 10 destination countries.