PM hails Interior Ministry’s work on crime, migration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has commended the Interior Ministry for what he described as “impressive results” across several key areas, including the fight against organized and drug-related crime, as well as migration management.

Speaking in Parliament during an interpellation session, Kobakhidze thanked Interior Minister Geka Geladze for the work carried out under his leadership in recent months.

“The results are truly impressive in various directions. This includes the fight against organized crime and drug-related crime. Even today, 97 individuals were detained on charges related to organized and narcotics offenses,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze described drug-related crime as a “serious scourge” for the country and said recent progress gave grounds for optimism that tangible positive changes will be achieved.

“Once again, I thank the Interior Minister for the work carried out,” he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted what he called significant progress in migration management, noting that the issue had generated high public interest and particular attention from lawmakers.

Addressing broader migration trends, Kobakhidze cited data from National Statistics Office of Georgia, according to which Georgia’s population stands at approximately 3.914 million, with a maximum of 257,000 foreign nationals residing in the country.

He clarified that the figure represented an upper estimate, as final adjusted data was expected to be published on June 25 and may indicate a lower number due to discrepancies in certain cases.

Kobakhidze outlined several factors driving immigration to Georgia. He said the country’s status as a tourist destination complicated migration management, while its open education system had attracted 37,000 foreign students currently studying in Georgia.

Another major factor, he noted, was labor migration. According to the Prime Minister, multiple sectors in Georgia faced significant workforce shortages, and without foreign labor, several projects would be forced to halt due to insufficient domestic manpower.

He added that illegal migration remained an important challenge requiring intensified efforts.

“Illegal migration is one of the key factors that demands particular attention and effort,” Kobakhidze said.