Ukrainian refugees will benefit from temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova until March 1, 2027, according to a decision approved today by the Government. At the same time, a mechanism for extending temporary protection has been introduced for current beneficiaries, through the submission of an online application between February 1 and April 30, 2026.
“This measure provides stability, predictability, and continuity for displaced persons who live and work in our country. We continue to offer protection to vulnerable people, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and employment,” said Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
The new electronic extension mechanism will allow authorities to update statistical data regarding the presence of displaced persons in Moldova, contributing to more efficient management of public resources, maintaining security, and avoiding overburdening the asylum system. In 2024 and 2025, identity documents were extended automatically, while many beneficiaries had meanwhile left the country.
Thus, beneficiaries who already hold temporary protection status must submit an online request for extension between February 1 and April 30, 2026. If the legal conditions are met, the protection status will be automatically extended in the information system, and the validity of the identity document will be updated without the need for physical presence. Beneficiaries will be able to verify the extension by scanning the QR code on the back of the document.
If a beneficiary fails to submit the online application within the specified period, temporary protection will expire, but the person will still have the possibility to apply again.
The project also предусматривает the mandatory appearance of minor beneficiaries who turned 14 years old between March 1, 2023, and January 1, 2026, at the General Inspectorate for Migration for fingerprint data collection.
Since March 1, 2023, over 87,000 people from Ukraine have applied for temporary protection in Moldova, approximately 20,000 of whom are children. Moldova currently operates 18 temporary accommodation centers with a total capacity of 1,111 places, and an occupancy rate of 82%.
The temporary protection mechanism allows Ukrainian refugees to legally remain in the country, work, study, and access social and medical services. Temporary protection is revoked in cases of voluntary repatriation or if the beneficiary is absent from Moldova for a cumulative period exceeding 45 days.