Asylum procedure law amended

Chisinau, Dec. 19 /MOLDPRES/- Asylum procedure law has been amended and takes over the regulations of the European Union acts. 58 lawmakers voted today in favor of the amendment.

The document, drafted by the Interior Ministry, contains provisions on access to the asylum procedure for vulnerable people and persons with special needs, respecting their rights. Thus, the categories of persons with special needs will be extended. These are unaccompanied minors, single-parent families with children, families with three or more children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, victims of trafficking in human beings, persons with intellectual and mental health problems, persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of violence, and persons who have reached retirement age.

The amendments also cover the provision of temporary protection. The current two-year limitation will be abolished. It will also establish a flexible mechanism for the application of temporary protection, which can be used promptly to meet the needs of refugees in Ukraine.

The legislation is also complemented by provisions on voluntary health insurance for asylum seekers, allowing them to choose the level of coverage, types of services and healthcare providers.