Public sector salaries could be dispensed through the governmental electronic payment system MPay, in a similar fashion to social welfare payments. A draft law to this effect was formally approved by Parliament’s Economy Commission.
 
The authorities say this method will reduce the operational effort of public agencies through a greater automation, in addition to cutting costs of related activities.

According to MP Dumitru Alaiba, a co-sponsor of the draft and chair of the Economy Commission, the amendments will boost the technology of the distribution processes of salary and social payments. In more advanced countries, there are already only virtual banks that provide payment services for citizens remotely, quickly, safely and conveniently, the MP noted. At the same time, the application of the new salary payment distribution model will contribute to increasing competitiveness and diversifying the offer in the field of payment services.

Currently, 26 types of social benefits are distributed through MPay, through all 11 commercial banks operating in Moldova, the state company Poșta Moldovei and one non-bank provider.

The Commission members agreed to additionally request the opinion of the National Bank of Moldova on the proposed draft, after which it will be submitted to Parliament for consideration.