Republic of Moldova: Diaspora and Diaspora Policy

Abstract

Republic of Moldova: Diaspora and Diaspora policy. In this article the Moldovan Diaspora and Moldova’s policy regarding Diasporas phenomena are researched. The historical and the contemporary contexts of formation of Moldovan Diasporas are revealed. The roles of Moldovan citizens’ labor migration, as well as the formation of Moldovan communities and Diasporas abroad are analyzed. The main directions of Moldova’s Diaspora policy are shown: visa free regime and readmission; mobility and circular migration; juridical and social protection of Moldovan migrants abroad; the return and reintegration of Moldovan labor migrants into their homeland’s society. The role of state bodies in the development and implementation of migration policies on a national level is analyzed; the institutional changes and role of the Bureau for the Relations with Diaspora in the coordination of Moldovan state structures’ activity towards working with the Moldovan Diaspora is demonstrated. The role of non-state actors (migrant associations, Diaspora congresses, the church, trade unions, and other) in maintaining of language, culture, traditions, Moldovan identity, in the social and economical development, and Moldova’s cooperation with the accepting country are revealed. The state’s activity in protecting and respecting the political, socioeconomical, and cultural rights of Moldovan emigrants is characterized