Government plans to increase inmate employment
A draft law submitted by the Moldovan government aims to expand employment opportunities for prisoners within the penitentiary system.
According to the proposal, authorities plan to increase the share of employed inmates from around 19% to 40% by 2030. The initiative is presented as a way to help prisoners acquire work skills and improve reintegration after release.
The draft also provides that officially employed inmates would receive recognized work experience and have social contributions paid on their behalf.
Concerns raised by rights groups
Human rights organisations have raised concerns about the potential impact of the reform.
They argue that the proposed changes could lead to lower wages and weaker labour protections for inmates working while in custody.
Proposed changes to pay and conditions
Under the current system, working prisoners may receive pay linked to the minimum wage, which is about 6,300 lei.
The draft law would allow employers to pay between 20% and 50% of that amount, or roughly 1,260 to 3,150 lei, according to the proposal.
The legislation also предусматривает increasing the amount of unpaid labour from 10 to 20 hours per week, while provisions for paid leave would be removed.
Government rationale
Authorities say the reform is intended to modernise the penitentiary system and align it with rehabilitation goals.
The draft law is still under consideration, and its final form may change following consultations and parliamentary review.
