Republic of Moldova — Crossing Back Surveys with Ukrainian Nationals (April - June 2023)

Since 24 February 2022, refugees from Ukraine and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) have been fleeing to neighbouring countries as a result of the war. As of May 2023, more than eight million refugees from Ukraine were recorded across Europe. At the same time, almost 13 million of border crossings of border crossings of Ukrainian and Third-Country refugees and migrants were reported from Ukraine into the neighbouring countries since February 2022.

IOM has deployed its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) tools since mid-April 2022 to collect individual surveys in neighbouring countries with persons crossing into Ukraine, with the aim to improve the understanding of main profiles, displacement patterns, intentions and needs of those moving into Ukraine. This report is based on surveys collected in the Republic of Moldova between 01 April 2023 and 30 June 2023 in two border crossing points, Otaci and Palanca.

Key Findings

• Top 3 countries of stay abroad: Romania (21%), Türkiye (11%), Germany (9%). • Top oblasts of origin: Odeska oblast (43%), Kyiv city and Kyivska (18%), Mykolaivska oblast (13%).

• Intended destinations: going to same oblast of origin (91%), to a different oblast (8%) - mainly to Vinnytska, Odeska & Kyiv city.

• Transport to Ukraine: car (57%), bus (31%), foot (10%).

• Intentions upon crossing back: long-term stay (58%), short-term visit (38%).

• Top needs upon crossing back:* financial support (20%), medicines and health services (6%), food products (9%), employment (8%). Other specified needs (12%) while 28% had no immediate needs.

• Top areas of assistance received:* food products and meals (27%), financial support (26%), NFI/hygiene items (22%), vouchers (2%), accommodation (8%).

* More than one answer possible