Balti, 16 December 2023

International Organization for Migration in the Republic of Moldova participated in Charity Fair organized by the Northern Regional Directorate of the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM), in the framework of the International Day of Migrants campaign. 

Fourteen economic agents, investors with foreign capital operating in the northern part of the Republic of Moldova came to the fair with gifts, traditional dishes, and other surprises for the community of vulnerable migrants. Visitors to the fair also enjoyed a number of cultural, sports and entertainment activities, including Mental Health and Psychosocial activities organized by IOM MHPSS team and an itinerant photo exhibition organized by IOM Moldova which portrays migrants and the Moldovan diaspora which is supporting the socio-economic development of Moldova.  

Burak Kahraman, a young Turkish man who came to the Republic of Moldova in 2013, motivated by the desire to learn several languages, also works in one of the companies with foreign capital in Balti. For me, Moldova is my second home", admits Burak. Watch Burak Kahraman's story here.

The event was attended by representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in the Republic of Moldova, representatives of local public authorities from the municipality of Balti and development partners of IGM.

IOM Moldova’s Chief of Mission, Mr. Lars Johan Lönnback: 

"The socio-economic development of a country is also driven by solidarity within local communities. This morning's initiative, organized by the General Inspectorate for Migration, represents an excellent example of mutual support between Moldovans, migrants and refugees. IOM is proud to take part in this initiative during the celebrations of International Migrants Day. 
This morning we see Moldovans helping migrants and refugees. In the photo exhibition organized here by IOM you can also see the faces of migrants and refugees helping Moldovans and other migrants and refugees. 
The social and economic development of local communities comes through a united and integrated community, and IOM will continue to work jointly with GIM, Moldovan authorities and local communities to encourage solidarity and mutual support among migrants, refugees and Moldovans across the country for a safe and prosperous present and future of the country."

In his opening speech, Mihail VODĂ, Head of the General Inspectorate for Migration of the MAI, stated:

"The people in this room, the economic agents, the foreigners who moved in our country, their beautiful life stories that they write together with the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are the truest proofs that migration can be used as a resource for community development".

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For more information, please contact: 

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