Georgia to tighten asylum rules with new border procedure for foreign migrants

Georgia is set to introduce stricter immigration controls with new legislation that would allow asylum applications from foreign nationals to be processed directly at the country’s border – without allowing entry into Georgian territory.

The legislative amendments, initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and supported by three parliamentary committees on Wednesday, aims to address “growing concerns over state security” and the integrity of the asylum process. Under the proposed changes, border procedures will be applied in cases where asylum requests may be deemed inadmissible or qualify for expedited review. The same mechanism will apply if an individual poses a threat to Georgia’s national security, territorial integrity, or public safety, or has previously been expelled from the country on such grounds.

Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze outlined the rationale behind the reforms during a joint session of the parliamentary committees on European Integration, Foreign Relations, and Health. He cited the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a driving factor, referencing a case where individuals released from Ukrainian penitentiaries ended up at Georgia’s Larsi border crossing after being refused re-entry by Russia.

“These individuals were left in a legal limbo, stuck in the neutral zone,” Darakhvelidze said. “Some had committed serious crimes and posed potential threats to public safety, but Georgia lacked a legal mechanism to process their asylum claims without granting them entry.”

He stressed that under international obligations, Georgia must provide access to an effective asylum system – but added that such a system must also protect national security. The new mechanism, he said, would ensure that those seeking asylum could have their claims assessed while remaining at the border, in conditions that meet international standards.

The proposed law sets a maximum timeframe of 28 calendar days for processing such applications at the border.

In preparation for the changes, the government plans to establish dedicated facilities and infrastructure at key border checkpoints to accommodate asylum seekers and stateless individuals during the review process.

The legislative package was endorsed by the parliamentary committees and is expected to move forward in the legislative process in the coming weeks.