Migration from Moldova: Trajectories and Implications for the Country of Origin

Abstract

The present chapter examines international migration in the Republic of Moldova. The authors highlight a few stages in the evolution of migration: the period of ethnic minority migration, the period of increases of temporary labour migration and the last period of intensification in migration flows, diversification of the countries of emigration, and formation and growth of Moldovan stocks in the host countries. It is demonstrated that the national economy is highly dependent on remittances, which are predominantly used for consumption and have not been transformed into investments or production in the real economy. The mass emigration has led to a degradation of the demographic potential of the country, and has also increased the speed of population decline and demographic ageing. Some social effects are also mentioned, such as the development of “migration culture”, which increases and facilitates migration intentions, the negative impact on family stability and the phenomenon of children left without parental care. The impact of migration on political institutions, electoral behaviour, and civic activism of diaspora members is also noted. Also, the authors show the main directions of the migration policies promoted by the Government of Moldova.