Labor Crisis: Chisinau Prepares to Attract Workers from India and Bangladesh

Moldova intends to further liberalize its labor market in 2026, including by attracting workers from countries outside the European Union, such as India and Bangladesh. This was stated by Minister of Economy Eugen Osmochescu on the TV8 program “Cutia neagră”, according to bani.md. According to the official, the authorities have already liberalized the labor market for European Union citizens “as much as possible”, and the next step will be to expand access for workers from other regions. “In 2026, we intend to continue liberalizing the labor market in Moldova by attracting workers from countries outside the European Union,” Osmochescu said. The minister explained that staff shortages are hampering economic development, comparing the economy to a car without fuel: “If you have a car and there is no fuel in it, you are only contributing to inflation, not development”. The Minister of Economy emphasized that in order to maintain economic growth and projects in construction and agriculture, it is necessary to increase the workforce. In this regard, the authorities are analyzing the possibility of expanding the recruitment of workers from countries already represented in the Moldovan labor market. “In addition to the European Union, we have workers from India and Bangladesh. We must develop the labor market,” said the minister. The official added that the authorities are also considering seasonal employment, especially in agriculture, assuring that the process will be carried out in compliance with all state security requirements.