Georgian opposition party initiates “occupation fee” for fleeing Russians

The largest opposition party in the Georgian parliament, the United National Movement, on Wednesday came out with the initiative of imposing an “occupation fee” for Russian citizens, the party member Levan Bezhashvili, said, calling on MPs to “unite around the initiative”.  

“The obligation to pay the occupation contribution for citizens of Russia upon entering the territory of Georgia should be established. The amount will be ₾1,000 for each citizen. This fee on the one hand, will ensure recognition of occupation of Georgian territories by  their country and will also filter the visitors, as some may refuse to do this”, said the MP, noting that the funds could be used for the needs of IDPs. 

He also noted that Russian citizens who entered Georgia before the adoption of the law should also have the obligation to pay the “occupation fee”. 

“They should be given the right to use the services in the country only if they submit information confirming the payment of the amount”, said Bezhashvili. 

After the announcement of partial military mobilization in Russia on September 21, long-hour queues appeared at the ground checkpoints on the Russian border.

In addition to the checkpoint Zemo Larsi on the border of Georgia, there are traffic jams on the borders of Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Finland.