Chisinau, October 3 – Today, in coordination with the Moldovan Authorities and IOM Poland, IOM Moldova Team provided operational support to 11 Moldovans (8 Adults, 3 children) who were assisted to leave Lebanon, Beirut, due to crisis, and arrive in Chisinau safely via Warsaw, Poland.

The Moldovan citizens were received at the International Airport of Chisinau by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Mitu, and the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Republic of Moldova, Ester Ruiz de Azua. IOM Moldova teams provided immediate medical and psychological assistance and information on how to access medical, psychological and social services, distributed food and water supplies, and transportation to Chisinau and Hincesti.

“The last time I visited Moldova was two months ago. I am studying in Lebanon, but the situation has changed dramatically: bombs, strikes, blood. It was a nightmare. Suddenly, it turned into a war, everything degenerated very quickly, and no one expected it. The first thing I would like to do here at home is meet my family and sleep in a safe environment without bomb explosions,” said Abdel Karim, 21, from Hincesti.

“I had the opportunity to talk to each person we supported, and they all express gratitude and satisfaction for the coordination of the Government and for the facilitation and assistance they received from IOM for their safe return in the Republic of Moldova from a crisis situation”, said Ester Ruiz de Azua. 

With the coordination of Moldovan authorities and IOM Poland, IOM Moldova has provided assistance and support to families coming from the crisis in Lebanon for their well-being and safety in the Republic of Moldova, facilitating regular pathways.

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For more information, please contact:

Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, IOM Moldova rseveri@iom.int