Georgian government initiates simplified procedures for citizenship

The Georgian government on Monday announced it planned to simplify procedures for obtaining Georgian citizenship. 

 

Justice Minister Rati Bregadze said per the planned amendments an individual wishing to obtain Georgian citizenship would have to pass an appropriate test in the State Services Development Agency before applying for citizenship, and in case of unsatisfactory results, the agency would no longer start formal procedures to save time and resources.

 

An applicant will have the right to retake the exam without restriction in case of failure, with the positive result valid for a year. 

 

In the case of rejected citizenship, the period for re-starting the procedure for granting citizenship will be reduced from one year to six months, which the official said would be a “considerable benefit for those who wish to obtain Georgian citizenship”

 

Bregadze said the fourth amendment was related to the country’s international commitment to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, according to which the 10-year residence permit for stateless persons to obtain citizenship in Georgia would be reduced to five years.

 

The official claimed the purpose of the government’s decision was to simplify the procedures for obtaining Georgian citizenship for compatriots living abroad.

 

The domestic opposition slammed the move and claimed the country’s authorities had plans to grant Georgian citizenship to those living in Russia to later use them for victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections.