Georgia expels 1,131 illegal migrants in 11 months, matching seven-year total - PM

Georgia has expelled 1,131 illegal migrants in the first 11 months of this year, a figure equivalent to the combined total of the past seven years, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said during a government meeting on Monday.

According to Kobakhidze, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has “significantly increased its effectiveness” in combating illegal migration, as well as organised, corruption-related and drug-related crime. However, he added that the ministry’s Migration Department still needs further strengthening.

The prime minister further noted that the ministry has presented a new action plan under which at least 3,500 illegal migrants are expected to be expelled from Georgia next year.

“Based on this plan, the problem of illegal migration will be substantially eliminated within three to four years, which is important from various perspectives, including national security,” Kobakhidze said.

He thanked the interior minister and the ministry’s staff for their efforts and upcoming plans.