Georgia records positive migration balance in 2024, PM

Georgia recorded a positive migration balance in 2024, with more people entering the country than leaving it, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said during a government meeting on Thursday.

He claimed approximately 850 more people entered Georgia than departed, and highlighted the trend included Georgian citizens returning home.

“Our task is to return our emigrants to our country as much as possible,” Kobakhidze said. “In this regard, it is also important to maintain a high rate of economic growth.”

However, Kobakhidze acknowledged ongoing challenges in other demographic areas, including declining birth rates and unfavourable marriage and divorce statistics. He stressed that the government was actively working to address the issues.

The official also highlighted the importance of peace and internal stability in sustaining economic progress, crediting the Ministry of Internal Affairs for its role in maintaining order amid political tensions in recent years.

“I would like to personally thank the Minister, Vakhtang Gomelauri,” Kobakhidze said. “If it were not for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Minister, and each police officer standing up to the call, we would not have been able to maintain stability and, accordingly, we would not have such economic growth data.”