Moldova
At a Glance (last updated September 10, 2026)
Agreement Date: Unknown
Agreement: Undisclosed
Transfers: More than 30 third country nationals were removed to Moldova on 4 flights on March 10, 2026, April 30, 2026, June 10, 2026, and August 6, 2026.
16 people from Russia and Eastern Europe, including Russians granted withholding of removal by immigration judges, were sent to Moldova on an ICE Air flight on March 10, 2026. A June 10, 2026 flight carried three Russians, 1 person from Kyrgyzstan, 2 Georgians, and 2 Armenians. All had been granted withholding of removal by immigration judges. At least one of the passengers on the April 30 flight was reported to be Russian. Additional third country nationals were on the August 6, 2026, flight.
U.S. Litigation: No known litigation at this time.
Background and Developments (last updated September 10, 2026)
On March 10, 2026, 16 third country nationals were deported to Moldova, including roughly 10 Russians and several nationals of Eastern European countries. A June 10, 2026, flight carried three Russians, 1 person from Kyrgyzstan, 2 Georgians, and 2 Armenians, all of whom had been granted withholding of removal to their home countries by immigration judges. The individuals were permitted to stay in Moldova for 90 days without a visa. Some of these individuals have decided to stay in Moldova for the time being and others have returned to their countries of origin. Flights also took place on April 30, 2026, and August 6, 2026, though the exact number of individuals transferred is unknown. The details of the agreement between Moldova and the United States have not been made public.
As of early 2026, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moldova hosts nearly 140,000 Ukrainian refugees—more per capita than any other country. The government of Moldova has offered temporary protection to Ukrainians through March 2027, allowing refugees to stay legally and access jobs and education.