Moldovans living in Italy to benefit from pensions, other social benefits

Chisinau, 28 November /MOLDPRES/ - The Moldovans who live in Italy will be able to enjoy pensions or other social benefits through a more accessible mechanism. The parliament today ratified an Agreement in the social security sector.   

The document was unveiled by the state secretary at the Labour and Social Protection Ministry (MMPS), Corina Ajder. Attending the plenary meeting was also Ambassador of Italy to Moldova Lorenzo Tomassoni.   

„This Agreement marks a historical moment in the relations between Moldova and Italy. This is a result of an outstanding diplomatic effort and a good cooperation between the two states. An example of European solidarity and of respect for citizens’ rights. This document is an expression of the care for those over 200,000 Moldovans who live and work in Italy, who actively contribute to the economy of this country, preserving the relation with their Motherland,’’ Corina Ajder said.     

The official stressed that, due to this Agreement, the Moldovan citizens would benefit from the totalizing of the period of contributions. ‘’ A principle which recognizes the work carried out during the life in both states. At the same time, the process of accessing of social benefits, which will be able to be submitted in both countries, removing the transport costs, will be simplified. Thus, the citizens will be able to benefit from old age pensions, pensions of disability caused by disease or labour accident and from survivor pensions. This means a better social protection, an enhanced safety and a real support for the future of the Diaspora families,’’ Corina Ajder noted.    

Thus, the document sees the combination of the periods of contribution for establishing the eligibility. Respectively, the periods of labour will be able to be cumulated, in order to qualify for pension in the case of the citizens who accumulated the minimal length of service of 15 years, both in Moldova and in Italy.  

The Agreement provides a framework of social security guarantees for the Moldovan migrant workers, who work or worked in Italy or live there. The provisions will apply to the employees, independent workers, detached workers, the staff of the diplomatic missions and consular posts, etc.

The social benefits will be provided according to the proportional principle of pensions’ calculation. Thus, each contracting state will pay the share of the pension calculated proportionally to the period of insurance carried out on its own territory, in line with the national legislation in the sector.  

The Agreement between Moldova and Italy in the social security field was signed on 31 October 2024. This is the second treaty of this kind ratified by Italy.