The Government of Georgia is discussing a package of amendments to the Criminal and Administrative Codes aimed at tightening migration policy. The aim is to strengthen the fight against illegal migration and prevent abuse of the asylum system.
The main amendments are:
- biometric control: import of photos and fingerprints of detained non-residents, possibility of forced data removal in case of refusal.
- fines and deportation: increase in fines for visa violations (from 1,000 to 3,000 GEL), expulsion for minor offences (hooliganism, disobedience to police, participation in rallies) with a ban on re-entry for up to 3 years, for serious offences – up to 20 years.
- Criminal liability: introduction of deportation into the sanctions of the Criminal Code – in case of violation, visitors can be expelled and deprived of the right to re-enter the country.
- expedited asylum processing: applications can be processed at the border, without entry, if the applicant poses a threat to the state.
Deportation statistics:
- 430 foreigners deported in 2024;
- in the first quarter of 2025, 219, including 100 in March alone.
- In April 2025, 96 people, citizens of more than 20 countries, were deported from the country.
How many foreigners are there in Georgia?
According to Geostat data for 2024, 135,811 people entered the country, among them:
- Russians: 23,574 new arrivals;
- Ukrainians: 6,898;
- Turkish nationals: 5,214;
- India: 4,594;
- Azerbaijan: 4 556;
- other countries: 25,487.
In addition, up to 100,000 Russians were in Georgia at the peak of the migration flow – about 60,000 stayed, then about 30,000 left the country in 2023. The UN and migration centres estimate that there are about 26,000 refugees living in Georgia – mostly Ukrainians, but also Syrians, Iraqis, Iranians and Russians.
Georgia is stepping up migration controls, introducing deportation with long bans, increasing fines and speeding up the processing of applications. This is part of an effort to combat irregular migration and abuse of the asylum procedure.
But visa waivers and simplified stay requirements of up to one year remain. The country is home to tens of thousands of foreigners, especially from Russia and Ukraine, making the reforms both sensitive and controversial. Changes in migration legislation will have long-term consequences for both arrivals and Georgian migration practices.