IOM in Moldova recently released a new Migration Data Profile for the country, created by the Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC). It presents the current migration data system in the country and suggests a set of recommendations to improve the collection and use of migration statistics to support evidence-based policymaking.

In terms of data, the main challenge faced is the recent adoption of the new definition of "usual place of residence" with the consequence that just under one million Moldovan citizens living abroad most of the time were excluded from the last census. This resulted in a significant drop in the total population figure.

Moldova has a well-developed institutional framework in the area of migration management and policies, but in order to comply with international standards some improvements are needed, according to the report. It emphasizes a need for more coordination and concrete steps towards improving migration indicators under the framework of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also recommends assessing the impact of COVID-19 on Moldovan emigrants and on foreigners in Moldova.