New labor rules introduce ‘different rules of the game” for foreign workers, official

Deputy Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs Giorgi Tsagareishvili on Tuesday claimed the Prime Minister’s newly signed decree establishes “different rules of the game” in Georgia’s labor sector, marking what he described as a decisive step by both parliament and the government.

Tsagareishvili was commenting on the government resolution signed by Kobakhidze, which will prohibit foreign nationals without permanent residency from working as couriers, taxi drivers, and tour guides starting March 1.

“We believe a decisive step has been taken, both in parliament and in the government,” Tsagareishvili said. “We need to understand labor market trends, know who is working in Georgia and in which professions. We must identify which fields are in shortage and where we may need workers, including foreign nationals.”

He claimed the changes were aimed at strengthening oversight of the labor market and improving workforce planning by introducing clearer regulatory mechanisms.