--- title: "Commuters could benefit from transport cost reimbursement" url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/88465/commuters-could-benefit-from-transport-cost-reimbursement published: 2026-10-29T13:28:00Z language: en author: "Liubomir Guțu" section: "Economic" source: radiomoldova.md --- # Commuters could benefit from transport cost reimbursement > Ukrainian refugees, individuals caring for children or persons with disabilities, and NEET youth (those who are neither in education nor in employment) represent the primary vulnerable groups targeted by the authorities to facilitate their access to the labor market. The government is preparing a series of measures designed to encourage tens of thousands of unemployed people to return to economic activity, through better training tailored to the actual requirements of the business environment. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/c7744fc6-36a9-4aea-8828-76237451fbb4.jpg) Ukrainian refugees, individuals caring for children or persons with disabilities, and NEET youth (those who are neither in education nor in employment) represent the primary vulnerable groups targeted by the authorities to facilitate their access to the labor market. The government is preparing a series of measures designed to encourage tens of thousands of unemployed people to return to economic activity, through better training tailored to the actual requirements of the business environment. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/426c2db4-3a6d-45ac-81d9-160bbe5bb2c7.jpg) For example, citizens from the diaspora who return home will be able to have their professional experience gained abroad—including work within the public administration of other countries—formally recognized. Furthermore, individuals who commute between localities to reach their workplace could benefit from the reimbursement of their transport costs. **“We risk losing Generation Z from the labor market”** Only 55% of citizens aged 20 to 64 are employed—amounting to approximately 574,000 people—according to data presented on October 29 at the closing event for the *“Support for labor market reform”* project. “When discussing the labor market, I would prefer not to focus solely on supply and demand, but rather on how we can create jobs that make people want to stay here. It is not just about the labor shortage faced by companies; it is also about the working conditions we provide and the wages we offer,” stated the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, at the opening of a conference dedicated to the outcomes of labor market reforms. According to the Minister, the business sector is facing an acute shortage of qualified personnel, forcing companies to resort to importing labor, all against the backdrop of a low national employment rate. Another challenge for the sector is Generation Z's lack of interest in the conditions traditionally offered by employers. "Their expectations regarding what a job entails—working conditions and the balance between personal and professional life—are entirely new. If we do not take these factors into account, we risk losing Generation Z from the labor market," warned Natalia Plugaru. Another significant group not currently participating in the labor market consists of women on parental leave, as well as those caring for parents or individuals with disabilities. "There are tens of thousands of women engaged exclusively in domestic tasks and caregiving. Therefore, when we talk about activating the workforce, we are not just referring to job creation, but also to ensuring a supportive environment that enables those capable of working to pursue their professions," the Minister of Labor and Social Protection said. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/7d913782-0701-4b5e-a439-d62a008f2b66.jpg) **Two European "anti-records"** The primary issue facing the labor market in the Republic of Moldova is the underutilization of the workforce; the country simultaneously records the highest inactivity rate and the lowest employment rate in Europe, stated Adrian Lupușor, Executive Director of the "Expert-Grup" Center, during the event. He presented data collected over the two-year implementation period of the project "Support for labor market reform". "About two-thirds of employees earn wages below the national average. The employment rate stands at only 55%, compared to the European average of 76%. It is clear that urgent measures are required to improve this indicator," Lupușor said. The expert pointed out that the inactivity rate among young people—specifically those classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)—is more than double the European Union average. Furthermore, undeclared work remains a major problem. "Our estimates indicate that approximately one-third of the employed population works informally. This is a critical issue, and strengthening the capacity of the State Labor Inspectorate to combat this phenomenon is essential," the economist added. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/da0e8849-8797-4bc4-b376-12b545d9590a.jpg) However, current challenges harbor significant potential for activating the population—a factor that can contribute to economic development, argues Lupușor. *“According to the National Employment Program, which is set to undergo public consultation, the activation potential is estimated at approximately 79,000 people. This group includes refugees from Ukraine. Until now, they have been viewed primarily through the lens of humanitarian aid; however, a portion of them could be integrated into the labor market. Furthermore, given the socio-economic context of the Transnistrian region, this area represents another potential pool of labor,”* explained Adrian Lupușor. **Government objectives for increasing the employment rate** By 2030, the authorities aim to raise the employment rate for the population aged 20 to 64 from 55% to 61%, stated Felicia Bechtold, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. She outlined the key objectives of the 2027–2030 National Employment Program, designed to make employment a driver of economic development. ***Key measures include:*** - *Mobile teams to identify inactive individuals*: Since 2023, mobile teams have been operating in every district, travelling to local communities to inform the unemployed about job opportunities. Starting this year, the service will have the resources to operate at full capacity. - *Commuting compensation*: Individuals who commute from one locality to another to reach their workplace will be eligible for reimbursement of their transport costs. *Validation of experience gained in the diaspora:* Citizens from the diaspora returning to the country can have their professional experience gained abroad validated, including those who worked in foreign public administrations. *Support for displaced persons:* Ukrainian refugees will benefit from recognition of work experience gained in the Republic of Moldova, as well as a dedicated tax regime for freelancers among those granted temporary protection. *Expansion of care services:* With over 100,000 women not employed because they care for dependents, authorities plan to create more than 2,000 new nursery places nationwide and develop day-care services for people with disabilities. *Vocational training vouchers:* Expanding the voucher program will enable rapid workforce training aligned with employers' skill needs. *Combating informal employment:* Enhancing the Register of Employees will integrate the databases of the State Tax Service, the National Social Insurance House, and the General Inspectorate for Migration. *“Case Management” information system:* This new digital tool will enable the National Employment Agency to monitor beneficiaries' professional paths, including after they secure employment. *** The project “*Support for Labor Market Reform*” was implemented during the 2024–2026 period by the Independent Analytical Center “*Expert-Grup*”.