Since Moldova’s Declaration of Independence in 1990, migration has transformed
the country in ways that were impossible to predict. With over a quarter of its labour
force now working abroad (a full ten percent of its population), Moldova has become
the epitome of a migration-dependent country, with all the costs and benefits
associated with this definition. Remittances are as high as one-third of national
income, and have helped the country raise its living standards and fuel investment in
housing and small businesses. Yet there have also been costs to the large migratory
flows, ranging from effects on the macroeconomy to the disruption of social life. All
in all, migration has been good for Moldova. This complex socio-economic
phenomenon now appears to have stabilized. Further gains for Moldova and its
partner countries could be achieved when new agreements are implemented and the
institutions dealing with the planning of migration and protection of migrants are
strengthened.