improve governance, transparency, and efficiency by streamlining data sharing and reducing duplication or arbitrary decision-making. Successful implementation depends on technical capacity, inter-agency coordination, staff training, and robust data protection safeguards; without these, the intended efficiency gains may be limited, and inconsistencies or privacy concerns could arise. NRC recommendations For the Moldovan Government Counterparts: Reduce Financial Barriers • Reduce citizenship application fees to make the process affordable for low-income and vulnerable groups, including migrants, displaced persons from Ukraine, stateless individuals, and long-term residents. Introducing Flexibility in Language and Constitution Tests • To ensure fair and inclusive access to citizenship, the authorities should allow exemptions or alternative assessments for elderly applicants, refugees and stateless people, along with free or affordable language and Constitution courses. Adjust Residence and Income Requirements • • Shorter required residence periods for refugees and stateless people. Re-examine the possibility of counting the period spent under temporary protection toward the residence period required for obtaining citizenship, potentially subject to clearly defined and specific conditions. Prevent Child Statelessness • To prevent statelessness among children born in Moldova, citizenship should be automatically granted to all children who would otherwise be stateless, regardless of their parents’ legal status, in line with international child protection standards. Maintain Accessible Application Procedures • Citizenship applications should be allowed via legal representatives with notarised authorisation, especially for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those abroad. NRC recommendations For the UN and Civil Society Organisations, including INGOs and NGOs • • • • • Monitor and document citizenship barriers and statelessness cases, using evidence to advocate for fair policies and equal access to rights. Expand access to free legal aid for citizenship, documentation, and appeals, including mobile and remote services for rural and displaced populations. Ensure inclusive, gender-responsive support tailored to women, single parents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Strengthen awareness and capacity through community outreach and training for lawyers and local authorities on statelessness and inclusive citizenship. Facilitate integration by providing free language and civic courses, employment assistance, and opportunities for social participation. For more information about NRC’s work on Temporary Protection in Moldova, please contact: Miradije Hodza, ICLA PDM (miradije.hodza@nrc.no), and Eka Gvalia, Head of Programme (eka.gvalia@nrc.no). www.nrc.no