OSCE/ODIHR presents an assessment of migrant integration in Moldova

Challenges faced in promoting the integration of migrants in Moldova were the focus of a roundtable meeting organized in Chisinau by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 18 November 2015.

During the event, ODIHR presented the findings of its Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) assessment study for Moldova, which was conducted in 2015 in co-operation with the Migration Policy Group (MPG), an independent think tank. The study was undertaken at the request of the Moldovan Interior Ministry, which manages the immigration processes in the country.

In assessing Moldova’s policy and legislative measures in the area of promoting migrant integration, the MIPEX study highlights the fact that Moldova is one of the few OSCE participating States to have adopted a special law to facilitate the integration of migrants. The study also notes that Moldova does relatively well in policy areas focusing on combating discrimination, and promoting family reunions and labour market mobility. In many other areas, Moldova faces the same challenges as many other OSCE participating States that are “new” migrant destinations in the OSCE region, including in promoting the public participation of migrants.

“Our goal was to assess the current legal framework in the domain of the social, economic, cultural and political integration of foreigners, as well as to identify the aspects that are to be improved in order to ensure the effective protection of migrants' rights in the Republic of Moldova," said Olga Poalelungi, Director of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum under the Interior Ministry.

During the discussion, participants discussed the MIPEX study’s findings and their importance for future migrant integration policies, both in terms of developing relevant legislation and policy planning documents and in building the capacity of national institutions.

Developed by the MPG, the MIPEX assessment is an interactive tool and reference guide to assess, compare and improve a state’s integration policy. The MIPEX assessment criteria are based on all relevant OSCE commitments and Council of Europe and EU standards. They likewise follow relevant conventions of the United Nations and the International Labour Organization. The MIPEX method has been used in 41 OSCE participating States, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan.