The Impact of Migration on Development at the Community Level: The Case of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact that migration has on local communities in the Republic of Moldova. Although it represents a natural process of development of human societies, migration continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing modern societies. The cumulative impact of migration effects on societies in general and their economies has the role of either balancing or unbalancing them. The negative effects of migration are most often attributed to countries of origin and refer to: depopulation of communities from which people emigrated, the exodus of the qualitative workforce, population aging, etc. These effects set up a study subject for multiple scientific researches. On the other hand, the positive effects are attributed to the host countries and consider reducing the labor shortage, reducing vacancies for unskilled jobs, increasing the economic level, attracting the young population, increasing technical and scientific progress and innovation, etc. Migration, especially labor migration, represents an important factor generating growth and development, including for the country of origin of the labor force. Moreover, the cumulative effects and development impact of migration tend to be more evident for the country of origin than for the country of destination. Labor migration significantly contributes to raising the standard of living and improving the quality of life in communities of origin, the impact being not only economic and social, but also cultural, political, and demographic. The study used scientific research methods such as the analytical method, logical and dialectical modeling, comparative and synthesis methods, etc. In closing, we note that the development impact of migration in the Republic of Moldova has occurred on the entire national economy. The GDP growth in the last two decades has been largely due to remittances, the standard of living of citizens has increased considerably. However, the greatest impact was achieved at the local community level, the benefits being multiple. JEL: J61; O0; R1