Ukraine’s refugees have transferred around 1.6 billion lei (over $90 million) to Moldova’s budget since 2022 in the form of taxes and social contributions, reports Point citing Mold-Street.
According to the Economic Council under the Prime Minister of Moldova, Ukrainian refugees have also opened more than 200 businesses in the country since 2022.
At the same time, the council noted that despite Moldovan legislation giving refugees access to the labor market, their integration remains a difficult process.
“Language barriers, difficulties in recognizing qualifications and adapting to local labor market requirements limit the ability of refugees to fully realize their professional potential,” the statement from the Economic Council says.
They added that overcoming these challenges requires coordinated action by the public sector, business, and development partners through comprehensive employment policies, vocational training, and social integration.
At the same time, business circles emphasize that Ukrainian refugees help compensate for labor shortages and contribute to the development of the local economy.
During a meeting of the National Council for Expanding Economic Opportunities and Gender Equality (CNAEEG), representatives of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) presented the latest data on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and proposed policy measures aimed at easing their access to the labor market, taking into account individual needs and the needs of the Moldovan economy.
Participants discussed tools such as self-employment and entrepreneurial patents, which could facilitate refugees’ access to employment and self-employment, the report says.
It is estimated that about 2,080 refugees could choose the independent entrepreneur regime by 2027. This would generate around 60 million lei (over $3.3 million) annually in tax revenues for Moldova, along with additional social and economic benefits at minimal administrative cost.
The meeting also discussed legal regulation of employment, including procedures for obtaining work permits and mechanisms for recognizing professional qualifications.
It is noted that since the beginning of 2026, more than 47,000 people have renewed their temporary protection status, while about 4,700 people have applied for it anew.
