Moldovan Migrants Research Articles

The Transformation of Moldovan Migrant Communities into the Moldovan Diaspora in the European Union: The Main Directions and Mechanisms

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the primary directions and mechanisms of transformation of moldovan migrant communities in European Union countries into the Moldovan diaspora. The authors identify, as primary mechanisms, the participation of moldovan migrants in the political and socio-economic processes of the country of origin; the development of the Moldovan communities' institutional potential; the policies of the Republic of Moldova for the consolidation of the Moldovan diaspora. The Moldovan diaspora plays an important role in the political life of the Republic of Moldova, actively participating in its electoral processes. Its participation in the origin country's economic life mainly comes down to monetary transfers. At the same time, among members of the diaspora there are those that desire to invest in business and development projects. Moldovan diaspora associations are active in most European Union countries.

Longitudinal method approach in assessing the Moldovan migrants’ stock

Estimating international migration is a challenging exercise despite the information technologies used, regular censuses conducted, and available advanced administrative systems in collecting data on vital events. Recent works estimated the stocks and flows of Moldovan migrants mainly by using national administrative sources on population counts and data from the population censuses in the destination countries. This study aims to assess the stock of Moldovan migrants of the 1980–1995 birth cohorts, for which a longitudinal method was applied. Thus, were compared de facto population of the corresponding generations to their initial size (number of births), adjusting by survival rate. The results of the study show the existing stock of Moldovan migrants of the 1980–1995 year of birth and the impact of outmigration on the changes in the size of the corresponding cohorts as of 2016 and its trend until 2022. During the analysed period was emphasised a plateau in the migrants’ stock of the generations born in the early 1980s with a moderate return migration in the 2020–2022 period. On the other hand, the cohorts of the late 1980s and 1990s registered a significant increase in the number of migrants, which corresponds with the period of the entrance in high migration mobility ages. The study covers the entire territory of Moldova, including the left bank of the Nistru River and Bender municipality. The methodological part provides a complete description of the method applied, which might be further considered for estimating the migrants’ flows and stocks by using vital statistics or population census data.

A transnational exchange mechanism among Moldovan migrants in the Parisian region: exploring the “post office of Moldova”

This article delves into the phenomenon of material goods circulation in the context of international migration, specifically looking at the exchange of parcels between Moldovan immigrants in the Paris region, France, and their kin, friends, and acquaintances in Moldova. The analysis uses field data collected during an ethnographic study conducted in 2017 within the Moldovan immigrant community in Paris. It moves beyond the limitations of push-pull theories that focus solely on one-way material circulation from immigrants to their home country families or only on the economic implications of remittances. Adopting a diverse methodological and epistemological stance, the author's inductive approach highlights the heuristic value of the field data. This data suggests that the parcel exchange between Moldovan immigrants and their compatriots carries significant social and symbolic meaning for all actors involved in this process. Over time, this exchange has evolved into a social institution, creating an ongoing link between the host country and the country of origin. The author scrutinizes the material and symbolic processes involved in the parcel transfer mechanism, whimsically referred to by the migrants as "Post Office of Moldova", the name of the national postal service in Moldova. The article explores both the commercial and non-commercial dynamics that shape this mechanism's operations and its integrative impact on the Moldovan immigrant community in the Paris region. The motivations that drive these material flows associated with migration are portrayed in terms of reciprocity, redistribution, and altruism, thereby emphasizing the reciprocal nature of these exchanges.

The VUCA World of Arab and Moldovan Migrants in Romania

Abstract This paper sets out to investigate the impact of the VUCA world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) on the vulnerability and resilience of incoming migrants in Romania, as well as on their integration patterns. Vulnerability and resilience are conceptualized through the four elements of the VUCA world. Data was collected through 35 semi-structured, psycho-social interviews, and 4 focus groups carried out between January 2020 and November 2021 with young migrants (aged 18 to 29). Participants came from two ethnic backgrounds: young migrants of Arab and Moldovan origins. Results show that much of VUCA is generated by the lack of employment opportunities and by the bureaucratic public administration. At the same time, the challenges raised by the VUCA world for migrants can be reduced through the improvement of destination language skills and through the development of social networks.

From migration aspirations to integration: contrasting pioneer and recent Moldovan migrants in Romania

Using an exploratory research, this paper aims to gain in depth information on Moldovan migrants in Romania across different generations. It focuses on changes in migrants' aspirations over time and how historical context influences coping strategies. The study compares behavior and experiences of earlier Post-Socialist migrants (pioneer migrants) with recent young migrants in Iasi and Bucharest. Results indicate evolving aspirations and reduced integration barriers, with recent migrants benefiting from technological progress and easier access to Romanian citizenship, facilitating faster integration.

The study of the topic of Moldovan diaspora in the European Union: historiographical aspects

The following article offers a historiographic analysis of Moldovan labor migration and diaspora abroad. The article lists the primary stages of labor migration from the Republic of Moldova; its main destinations and volumes; the factors that influence the formation of communities and diaspora; the policies of exit and destination countries of Moldovan migrants; the measures taken for the return and reintegration of migrants home. The article draws attention to the aspects of migrants’ adaptation and integration into the host society. Attention is likewise given to specific problems in this regard, such as the migrants’ cohesion or division, their suspicion of governmental bodies, etc. Another touched upon aspect – the transformation of the migrants’ goals, status, and possibilities, the role and influence migrants have on the life of their exit country. The article also provides a chronological analysis of scientific interest and sources dedicated to the topic, both at home and abroad.

Two-Speed Integration? A Comparative Analysis of Barriers and Resilience Strategies of Young Migrants in Vulnerable Conditions in Romania

This comparative study focuses on the barriers to social and economic inclusion, as well as the integration and coping strategies of Arab and Moldovan migrants in Romania. We explored the integration barriers they face, the main individual and societal aspects that lead to their resilience, and their self-perception of vulnerability, by carrying out 35 psychosocial interviews and four focus groups with young migrants (aged 18 to 29), belonging to the two different subgroups (of Arab and Moldovan origins, respectively). The comparative analysis revealed that migrants from Arab countries face harsher integration barriers compared to Moldovan migrants, they have a more severe self-perceived vulnerability, and their integration may be a longer and more complex process. Results showed that mastery of the language and the network of acquaintances play an indispensable role in inclusion. Moldovans integrate more easily than Arabs, thanks to their fluency in Romanian, the native language shared with the majority local population, the geographical and cultural proximity to the country of destination, and the larger personal network. We highlight the need for improving integration policies for young migrants, tailoring them to the specific problems and barriers that migrants are facing.

Social integration of Moldovan migrant’s children in Italy

The article explores the features of the Moldovan migrant's children integration in Italy and the dynamics and particularities of the second-generation formation. The study is based on statistical data analysis on the Moldovan communities of immigrants in Italy and the integration of migrant children into educational institutions. The risk factors of social adaptation of children of Moldovan migrants based on the sociological quantitative and qualitative research conducted in 2015-2019 are analyzed. The study results show that the children of Moldovan migrants face difficulties integrating into Italian society, even though they have more opportunities than their parents. There are specific differences in children's integration depending on the age of arrival in Italy, the success in learning the Italian language, the type of family (full or single parent, mixed family), and the intensity of social contacts. Children of migrants born in Italy do not experience significant difficulties in social integration, primarily thanks to their knowledge of the Italian language. Children from mixed families where one of the parents is an Italian citizen also do not have a problem. The most significant difficulties are encountered by young people who arrived in Italy as teenagers and have lived in Moldova for a long time with other relatives since their parents moved abroad for work. The need to reunite with the family after 5-10 years of separation from parents, sometimes with a new mixt family, creates additional psychological and sociocultural barriers in the process of integrating children in Italy.

Values of Moldovan high school students from Italy and the Republic of Moldova: a cross-cultural aspect

The article analyzes the features of the value sphere in high school students - children of Moldovan migrants from Italy and in high school students from the Republic of Moldova. Thus, the axiological meanings are evaluated, they revealed both common values and distinct values. Therefore, if for schoolchildren - sons of Moldovan migrants, the priority values are: interesting work and material security, then for their colleagues from the Republic of Moldova, the priority belongs to the spheres of life: family and health. At the same time, we want to mention the fact that for both groups, aesthetic values had little importance. Thus, against the background of the obtained results, there is a need to take more into account the particularities of the value sphere, especially in the case of migrant children from the diaspora.

MIGRATION FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: PARTICULARITIES OF LABOUR ACTIVITY AND ADAPTATION TO THE LABOUR MARKET

In the article, the author studies the issue of migration from the Republic of Moldova to the Russian Federation. Migration from Moldova to the Russian Federation decreased significantly in 2014, when the exchange rate of the MDL to the RUB decreased and the money earned in translation into MDL ceased to justify their efforts, which led to the fact that many citizens were forced to go to work in Europe. The largest number of Moldovan migrants in Russia work in such cities as Moscow, the Moscow Region, the KhantyMansi Autonomous Okrug and the Tyumen Region. This is because it is easier for Moldovans to find a job in these regions, and many of their relatives left for these regions and settled there after the collapse of the USSR. The migration of the population in Russia is irrevocable, since for migrants Russia becomes their homeland, they integrate and stay there to live,

The role of the digital diaspora in overcoming the vulnerabilities of migrants under the covid-19 pandemic (the case of Moldovan migrants)

Contemporary information-communication technologies contribute to the development of the quasi-institution ‘transnational migrant community’ in the form of digital diaspora. It has several functions: maintaining ties with the country of origin, ensuring transnational interaction, constructing the identity of migrants, consolidating their ethnic community and social adaptation, expressing the subjectivity of the diaspora in the public sphere, psycho-emotional support. The relevance of the study of the digital diaspora’s role in overcoming vulnerabilities of migrants under the pandemic is determined by the need to consider the adaptation of migrants in the context of the transformation of migrations and the use of contemporary information-communication technologies by migrants. The object of the study is the online groups of Moldovan migrants, which are characterized by the rapid institutionalization of diaspora organizations. The authors focus on the mechanisms of social adaptation of Moldovan migrants, which serve to overcome their vulnerabilities and risks under the pandemic with information-communication technologies. The study is based on the concept “digital diaspora” and the secondary analysis of the data from the Representative Office of the International Organization for Migration in Moldova on the Internet practices of Moldovan migrants (2017) and on the situation of migrants under the pandemic (2020). The main research method is the analysis of the content of the largest Internet groups of Moldovan migrants in the social network with the techniques “problem tree” and “decision tree”. The study showed that during the pandemic, the Internet groups of Moldovan migrants became a platform for their self-organization and overcoming vulnerabilities, and also performed informational, organizational, representative, mobilization and recreational functions. The authors believe that the experience of the Internet groups of Moldovan migrants can be extrapolated to other migrant communities and other contexts supporting the political, economic and social-cultural subjectivity of migrants.

The Role of Subjects of Migration Process in Solving Migrant Health Problems

The article is devoted to the issues of regulating the health of migrants. The goal of the study is to identify the potential for solving migrant health problems with the participation of all stakeholders. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the theory of transnationalism and migration bridges by S. V. Ryazantsev. The main content of the article is based on an analytical review of foreign and Russian scientific sources, as well as understanding the subjectivity of the sending countries and the migrants themselves based on the results of mapping migration from Transnistria and the Republic of Moldova. The research analyzes the effects of migrants’ health for three subjects of the migration process, and differentiates the factors for ensuring migrants’ health depending on sending and receiving countries, as well as the migrants themselves. The author concludes that migrant health problems have a negative impact on all subjects of the migration process, and their solution is in the interaction of the three indicated sides of the migration process. The directions of work of the subjects of the migration process in ensuring the health of migrants are formulated. The case of the subjectivity of the Republic of Moldova as a country of departure of migrants and Moldovan migrants abroad in solving the health problems of migrants is described. An uneven reflection of the health problem of migrants by subjects of the migration process is revealed. The prospects of further research are aimed at: monitoring the effects of migrant health on all participants of the migration process; analyzing the impact of emigration on health care system and population health in the countries of origin; ethno-cultural analysis of the behavior of various migrant communities in the healthcare sector; describing successful cases of migrant communities and countries of origin of migrants in solving migrant health problems. The results of the study might be used for the development of migration policies with the participation of sending and receiving countries and the migrant community.

Problems of Moldovan Migrants in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The migration process is associated with great health risks. The factors of health vulnerability of migrants are: the complexity of the migration route; poor living and working conditions; limited access to health care; linguistic and cultural barriers when interacting with healthcare providers, etc. The COVID 19 pandemic has created new health vulnerabilities for migrants. The combination of political, legal, economic and socio-cultural factors creates vulnerabilities for migrants and increases the likelihood of: being infected with COVID 19; lack of access to adequate care; the occurrence of serious symptoms; poor psychosocial impact; lack of income and livelihood. The content of this study is based on: analysis of bibliographic sources on the health of migrants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; secondary analysis of the results of studies of Moldovan migrants abroad; analysis of statistical information on the state of incidence of COVID-19 on the territory of the Republic of Moldova; analysis of publications on the topic of Moldovan migrants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the media; analysis of comments in online groups of the Moldovan diaspora abroad. The legal status of Moldovan migrants in the country of destination, their field of activity, the type of employment contract concluded, as well as the policy of protecting the countries of destination of migrants have become factors of vulnerability of Moldovan migrants abroad in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. When returning home, Moldovan migrants faced a number of problems and became an object sharp criticism, and stigmatization from their own compatriots. The inability of the country’s leadership to cope with the problems that arose caused a sharp reaction in the ranks of Moldovan citizens abroad and contributed to an unprecedented turnout of the Moldovan diaspora in the presidential elections in November 2020. The victory of the pro-Western candidate Maia Sandu became possible thanks to the support of the diaspora, which made up 1⁄4 of the entire electorate elected president. The study showed that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, international migrants have become a social problem for both receiving countries and donor countries. A timely policy of comprehensive measures to support the health of migrants and their social protection can be a decisive factor in effectively containing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the emergency and social tensions in both receiving countries and countries that are donor migrants.

How Transnational Migrants Integrate: The Case of Moldovans Living in Czechia and Italy

This article examines whether the social, cultural, or economic dimensions of integration into a receiving society have the effect of intensifying or weakening transnational ties to a migrant's country of origin. The article is based on an analysis of unique data gathered in a questionnaire survey conducted among 409 Moldovan migrants living in Italy and Czechia and resident there for more than one year. Transnational and integration indices were constructed in order to investigate the relationships between selected characteristics of the respondents. The analysis reveals that greater socio-cultural integration is accompanied by weaker transnational practices, where key roles are played by the length of stay and age upon arrival. This is found to apply to Moldovans in both countries, although a slightly more positive relationship is observed between Italian Moldovans' economic integration and transnationalism, suggesting that economic resources facilitate the maintenance and development of cross-border networks.

Health status of female Moldovan migrants to Italy by health literacy level and age group: a descriptive study

BackgroundMigration flows from Eastern Europe to Italy have been large and continue to grow. The purpose of this study was to examine the health status of a population of Moldovan migrant women, and their access to health care services in northern Italy, by age group and health literacy level.MethodsWe administered an ad-hoc questionnaire to adult Moldovan women. A bivariate analysis was conducted to test the association between health literacy and age groups with other variables (lifestyles, symptoms and diseases, access to health services). A stepwise logistic regression analysis was run to test the association between access to primary care and health literacy. Moreover, the study compare Moldovan women data with a sample of Italian women of the same age range living in North-Eastern region.ResultsOur sample included 170 Moldovan women (aged 46.5 ± 12.3) in five occupational categories: home care workers (28.2%); cleaners (27.1%); health care workers (5.9%); other occupations (28.8%); and unemployed (10%). Active smokers were twice as prevalent among the women with a low health literacy. Health literacy level also determined access to primary healthcare services. For all age groups, the Moldovan sample reported a higher prevalence of allergies, lumbar disorders and depression than the Italian controls.ConclusionsThe reported prevalence of some diseases was higher among Moldovan migrant women than among Italian resident women. Health literacy was associated with the migrant women’s lifestyle and the use of primary health care services, as previously seen for the autochthonous population.

Health issues in female Moldovan migrants in a north-eastern Italian region

Abstract Background Migration from Eastern Europe to Italy is still massively expanding, with a subsequent increase of migrants in the job market who are traditionally employed in low specialized and high strain jobs. In this context Health Literacy is a known factor contributing to immigrant health disparities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health status of a population of migrant Moldovan women and their access to health care services in northern Italy by age class and health literacy level. Methods We administered an ad-hoc questionnaire to adult Moldovan women to assess their lifestyles, employment status, reported health status, access to Health Services and Health Literacy. Moreover, the study compared our data with a sample of Italian women of the same age range living in North-Eastern region interviewed in 2015. Analysis employs descriptive statistics. Results The sample included 170 Moldovan women (age 46.5 ±12.3). Prevalence of active smokers was found double in women with a low Health Literacy. Health Literacy status also determined the different access to Public Health Services, with women with higher literacy using more programmed health services and screening programs, and women with lower literacy conversely using more emergency health services. Overall reported health status was found worse in our sample than in Italian women and reported disease prevalence among age ranges was different than Italian ones with an increased probability for allergies, lumbar diseases and depression. Conclusions Some diseases have a higher prevalence in Moldovan than in Italian women. Health literacy is associated with lifestyles and use of health care services also in migrants, as previously demonstrated for native population. Key messages Tailored prevention programs and intervention should be designed in Moldovan women to address high prevalence diseases in this population. Strategy to improve health literacy should involve immigrants. Some diseases resulted well-spread over the whole sample and not influenced by age or employment; the difficulties migrants have to overcome might influence their health status.

Social Remittances upon Closer Examination: Moldovan Migrants in Prague, Czechia and Turin, Italy

ABSTRACT Our goal is twofold: to contribute to conceptualizing social remittances and to shed new light on who the most important agents of change are. Using data from our own questionnaire surveys, carried out with Moldovan migrants in Prague, Czechia (N = 203) and Turin, Italy (N = 206) in 2017–2018, we applied classification and regression trees analysis. In addition to defining three types of social remittances—interpersonal communication–based, project-oriented, and return-tied remittances—we found that geographical context and migrants’ characteristics—namely, educational level, language abilities, socio-legality of residence, and satisfaction with life—variously influence the transfer of social remittances.

‘My Parents Fell behind’: Social Remittances, Integration and Generational Change Among Moldovan Immigrants

The relationship between social remittances, integration patterns and intergenerational transmission has been the subject of several studies across Europe. This article aims to explore the complex links between migration, social inclusion abroad and social remittances between several generations of Moldovan migrants in Italy. The production of social remittances incorporates many variables: the exposure to remittances migrants had during their childhood in Moldova, the family relationships and the degree of involvement in collective initiatives. We took into consideration three dimensions: remittances’ directionality, including reverse social remittances, the role in the exchange (sender or receiver) and the intensity of exposure/involvement. Our analysis indicates that there is a difference in transnational behaviours between the first migrants and the new generation. Parents are often trapped in occupational and socially segregated niches, while their children have opportunities to develop greater social mobility and to strengthen cosmopolitan affiliations. Young people raised in Italy, compared to their parents, have more opportunities for meaningful social contacts that can be translated into innovative ideas in Moldova.

Political, Legal and Institutional Aspects of the Policy of the Management of Diaspora in the Republic of Moldova

The article is devoted to the study of political, legal and institutional aspects of the policy of diaspora management in the Republic of Moldova. The authors consider that the Moldovan authorities are trying to develop a coherent state policy on the Diaspora through an integrated approach. This is reflected in the legislative and institutional framework of the state policy in the field of Diaspora. As the results of sociological research, Moldovan migrants do not actively participate in the activity of Diaspora organizations. The authors note that in order to develop an effective management policy Diaspora in the Republic of Moldova, the creation of institutions is necessary to ensure the preservation and development of the Diaspora; development of a strategy of interaction with state institutions as the country of residence, and the “title” of the state; development of legal acts on the Diaspora, as well as laws and policies on management of the diaspora processes. These measures will provide creation and strengthening of a stable platform for cooperation between the state and the Moldovan diaspora, the active participation of the diaspora in the economic and political life of the Republic of Moldova.

The political voice of diaspora: An analysis of external voting of Moldovan migrants

The study examines the voting preferences of Moldovan diaspora in the 2014 parliamentary elections. The paper aims to determine which political or economic circumstances in the host country have the biggest impact on determining voting preferences of the migrants. The political favorites of the Moldovan diaspora differ from those of their domestic counterparts. Furthermore, there are essential differences in voting patterns among migrants living in different countries. The findings suggest the migrants’ voting behavior is affected in some way by the political and economic realities of the host countries. The voting preferences of voters of the left and right wing parties are mostly affected by the political and socio-economic realities of the country of residence, although members of the diaspora voting for centrist parties are not affected by those factors.