Georgia to tighten immigration rules and labor migration oversight, ruling party official

Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has announced a legislative overhaul aimed at tightening procedures for deporting undocumented migrants and regulating foreign labor more strictly. The reforms are expected to pass in a third reading in parliament this week, according to Mamuka Mdinaradze, the party's Executive Secretary.

Under the new measures, the deportation process for individuals residing illegally in Georgia will be streamlined. In parallel, labor migration rules will become significantly stricter. Foreign nationals seeking employment in Georgia will now need to obtain a work permit issued by the Ministry of Health. The ministry will assess labor market needs—such as whether a particular profession is in demand or oversaturated—before granting permits.

“Until now, no special permission was required for foreigners to be employed in Georgia,” Mdinaradze stated. “From now on, the Health Ministry will evaluate the labor market and issue permits accordingly, prioritizing opportunities for Georgian citizens.”

He added that unauthorized foreign workers and their employers will face penalties. “Sanctions will apply not only to undocumented foreign workers but also to employers who hire them,” he said, emphasizing the goal of minimizing illegal employment and fostering job opportunities for locals.

Mdinaradze said the reforms would help identify labor market shortages and guide state-sponsored retraining programs for Georgian citizens in those fields.

In addition, investment-based residency rules are being tightened. Previously, foreign nationals could apply for a one-year residency permit by purchasing property worth over $100,000 USD. The new threshold will be raised to $150,000.

Mdinaradze noted that while 16,000 foreigners have received such permits over the past six years, only 3,600 currently retain valid status. “This doesn’t pose any real danger, despite some public concerns,” he added. “However, we are increasing the investment threshold to encourage larger investments and ensure more robust immigration control.”

The reforms, he said, are also aligned with Georgia’s responsibilities under its visa-free agreement with the European Union, reinforcing the country’s image as a “responsible partner.”