risks disproportionately excluding women— particularly single mothers—alongside the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those in low-paid or informal work. As a result, these vulnerable groups may remain in prolonged semi-legal status, without full access to citizenship rights or state benefits. Oath of Allegiance Requirement Citizenship under the new law is only fully granted once an applicant has taken the Oath of Allegiance, which must be done within one year of the Presidential decree, extending the previous six months deadline. The longer timeframe may allow for undue delays by the competent authorities, potentially resulting in unjustified postponement of the acquisition of citizenship. As a result, applicants’ access to rights linked to citizenship—such as voting, holding public office, and obtaining a national identity card or passport— is delayed until the oath is taken. Clearer Procedures and Transparency The law introduces clearer procedures and timelines. Processing deadlines are set for one year - applications must be submitted in person, and refusal grounds are explicitly listed, including criminal records, false documents, sanctions, and national security concerns. These reforms enhance predictability and reduce arbitrary refusals. However, in-person submission may disadvantage applicants living abroad, people with disabilities, or those in remote areas. Explicit refusal grounds strengthen integrity but may increase rejections for minor or outdated legal issues or where applicants cannot provide required documents due to practical barriers, such as travel restrictions or costs. While processing time limits enhance accountability, high caseloads could strain administrative capacity. Children and Stateless Persons The law allows children born in Moldova to acquire Moldovan citizenship if at least one parent has legal residence. This provision aims to reduce the risk of statelessness and aligns the citizenship framework with international standards on child protection. By prioritizing the best interests of the child, it strengthens safeguards for minors and ensures child-focused decision-making. However, children of parents without legal residence such as undocumented, de facto stateless, or displaced persons, including those with Temporary Protection status, remain at risk of exclusion, highlighting the need for clear guidance to implement this rule in line with Moldova’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Mentions of military services The law maintains the right to multiple citizenship, supporting diaspora engagement and Moldova’s inclusive approach to nationality. However, applicants must now indicate whether they have completed military service in another state, without the law clearly specifying how this information should be verified. The lack of clarity may complicate procedures, particularly if applicants are required to obtain documentation from their country of origin, potentially exposing them to protection and return-related risks. NRC ICLA team sharing information related to the legal assistance for the displaced populations, 2025. Photo: Anna Celac/NRC Digitalization and Institutional Accountability The law strengthens digitalization and accountability by clearly defining the roles of the Agency for Public Services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Security and Intelligence Service, along with introducing evaluation mechanisms. These reforms aim to www.nrc.no