Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party on Monday said only 29,000 Georgian citizens violated mandatory procedures and stayed in the EU’s Schengen area between 2018 and 2021, since the EU lifted its visa requirements for the country’s citizens. 

The official claimed the country could have a “positive balance” if not lifting the requirements, noting under the previous United National Movement, between 2004 and 2012, 221,000 Georgians immigrated illegally to the EU when visas were required. 

He also said the United States was pursuing a “strict visa policy” with Georgian citizens. 

“For example, in 2021, the US satisfied 71 percent of visa applications for Russian citizens and only 37 percent of visa applications for Georgian citizens”, he claimed. 

“In conclusion, it can be said that Georgia's demographic situation and trends require serious attention. However, speculative and untreated statements are prevalent on this topic, which requires a proper answer”, Kobakhidze added.