Migrația tinerilor din Republica Moldova în perioada post-COVID-19. De la tendințe și aspirații personale, la programe și politici guvernamentale

Abstract

The precarious socio-economic conditions in the Republic of Moldova are determining factors of massive migration, with the emphasis placed on young people and the active labor force. Migration trends are determined by the choice of better living conditions, obtaining higher incomes, the possibility of providing children with better schooling conditions and the prospect of a secure future. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, international migration flows from the Republic of Moldova experienced a significant decrease, and the net migration rate decreased to 3−2.5‰, compared to previous values of 9−18‰. In the post-pandemic period (2022−present) we are witnessing a reactivation of migration intentions, which must also be understood in the context of structural and motivational factors that have persisted for several years. As highlighted in the literature, the high level of migration, especially among young people, reflects the population's discouragement towards the social and professional opportunities available in the country: limited opportunities for professional advancement, difficulty in obtaining a stable and well-paid job, and the perception of a low quality of life. In these conditions, the authorities have set themselves several objectives in order to improve the existing situation. The objectives largely stem from the electoral provisions presented in the 2021 parliamentary elections, reflected in the governing programs of the Gavrilița Government (2021−2023) and the Recean Government (2023−present). Although a trend towards improving living and working conditions is observed, it is due to massive investments from European funds, not necessarily to the government's capacity to lead the Republic of Moldova towards a better life.