Moldovan workers in Ireland to gain pension protections
Moldova and Ireland signed a social security agreement in Dublin on November 11; once ratified, it will let about 30,000 Moldovans in Ireland combine insurance periods for pensions.
Contribution periods to be combined
The agreement was signed by Moldova's Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, and Ireland's Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, in the presence of President Maia Sandu and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Under the agreement, periods of social insurance completed in both countries will be combined when determining eligibility for pensions. This means that years worked in Moldova and Ireland will count towards meeting the contribution requirements, allowing people to retain the pension rights they have earned regardless of where they worked.
Several types of pensions covered
The agreement covers old-age pensions, disability pensions arising from general medical conditions, pensions and benefits for workplace accidents or occupational diseases, and survivor's pensions.
Eligible individuals will receive benefits in accordance with the legislation of both countries. The agreement will enter into force after it has been ratified by both states.
"We want our citizens to enjoy rights and social protection, wherever they choose to work. For the roughly 30,000 Moldovans in Ireland, this means that the years they have worked legally there will count alongside the years worked at home when their pensions are calculated," President Maia Sandu said in a Facebook post.
Bilateral relations and EU accession
The signing took place during a meeting between Sandu and Martin ahead of the European Political Community summit, which Ireland will host in Dublin on November 12.
Their discussions also covered bilateral relations and Moldova's EU accession process, with Ireland holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
"We are working together to ensure that these steps are taken as soon as possible. I thank Ireland for being a second home to many Moldovans and a trusted partner for our country," Sandu noted.
The Moldovan president is in Dublin to attend the European Political Community summit. Her agenda includes talks with several European leaders on advancing Moldova's EU accession process and strengthening security partnerships, according to the Presidential Administration.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
RELATED COVERAGE
- Moldova will sign a social agreement with Ireland
- Moldovans working in Ireland eligible for pensions and social benefits
- Moldovan-Irish cooperation and the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU, discussed by Maia Sandu in Dublin
- Maia Sandu encourages Moldovan citizens in Ireland to continue promoting our country
- Maia Sandu meets with the Irish Prime Minister to discuss opening EU negotiation chapters for Moldova by year-end
