On Sunday, 18 May 2025, the Moldovan community in Manchester had the opportunity once again to access vital consular outreach services, thanks to the visit of Mrs Cristina Oleinic, Consul of the Republic of Moldova in the United Kingdom. Her visit was part of a growing initiative to make consular and notarial services more accessible to Moldovans living in the North of the United Kingdom—a move that continues to be widely appreciated across the community.
This service, initially requested by Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance and held regularly since January 2024, marks a significant development in the relationship between the Moldovan diplomatic mission and its diaspora. It all began with a pivotal moment when His Excellency Ruslan Bolbocean, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the UK, travelled to Manchester to personally announce the launch of these services—making Manchester the first city outside London to host them on a regular basis.
Why Local Consular Services Matter
For Moldovans living in Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, the North East, and even parts of Scotland, travelling to London to resolve consular matters has long been a challenge. Such journeys often involve significant costs, time off work, and long hours on the road. The consular outreach services bring these essential functions much closer to where people live and work, sparing them unnecessary hardship.
These local services allow Moldovan citizens to:
- Authenticate legal documents
- Request notarial acts, such as powers of attorney
- Obtain civil status documents
- Access legal guidance on citizenship, residence, and family matters
- Obtain criminal checks
By offering these services in Manchester, the Consulate is not only addressing a logistical concern—it is also showing a deep understanding of the daily realities of diaspora life.
Services Offered on Weekends
Another key feature that has won over the community is the weekend scheduling of these outreach events. By holding the sessions on Sundays, Moldovan nationals are not required to take time off work. This small but crucial detail ensures maximum accessibility for working individuals, students, and families who might otherwise struggle to manage weekday appointments in London.
Weekend services also mean that entire families can attend together, allowing for more complex procedures—such as passport renewals for children or family notarizations—to be handled in a single visit. This reduces administrative burden and provides peace of mind to families who depend on these documents for travel or legal affairs.
A Sunny Welcome
This most recent consular session also gave Manchester the chance to showcase its lighter side. Mrs Oleinic’s previous visit in December 2024 coincided with a ferocious winter storm that battered much of the UK. This time, however, Manchester greeted her with warm sunshine—a perfect metaphor for the welcoming atmosphere and positive spirit of the Moldovan community here.
A Model for Future Outreach
Since the beginning of this outreach programme, services have been offered every other month in Manchester. This consistency has created a sense of reliability and trust among the community. People now know that they do not need to rush to London or postpone important tasks. They can plan ahead and access the services they need in a professional, welcoming environment right in the North.
This model of proactive engagement can and should serve as a blueprint for other consular missions looking to build stronger ties with their communities outside capital cities. It not only facilitates practical needs but also fosters a sense of national connection, pride, and care—something every diaspora deserves to feel.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of 2025, the Moldovan community in the North looks forward to the continuation of these consular outreach services. They represent more than just paperwork—they are a powerful reminder that even thousands of miles from Chișinău, Moldovans are seen, supported, and valued by their government.
The success of the outreach programme in Manchester is a testament to what is possible when diplomatic services are brought to the people—wherever they may be. As Manchester continues to serve as a hub for Moldovan life in the UK, the partnership between the community and the Consulate grows stronger with every visit.
We thank Mrs Cristina Oleinic for her dedication, His Excellency Ambassador Bolbocean for his vision, and all the officials working behind the scenes to make these services a reality. Moldova is indeed closer than ever—right here in the heart of Manchester.