PM Kobakhidze: nearly 2,000 illegal migrants deported in 2026

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that Georgia has significantly increased the pace of deportations of illegal migrants and could resolve the issue within approximately four years if current trends continue.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, Kobakhidze contrasted recent deportation figures with those recorded over the previous decade.

“Over a ten-year period, only about 1,000 illegal migrants were deported in total, which was not a satisfactory statistic,” the prime minister said.

Kobakhidze added deportation efforts intensified in the second half of 2025, resulting in the removal of 1,311 illegal migrants during the year.

He added that the pace has accelerated further in 2026.

“This year, before even half the year has passed, 1,980 illegal migrants have already been deported,” he said.

The prime minister noted the government estimates that the number of illegal migrants currently residing in Georgia is approximately 20,000.

“At the beginning of the year, we stated that we intended to deport at least 4,000 illegal migrants by the end of 2026. Based on the current six-month figures, that target is entirely realistic, and we may even reach 5,000,” Kobakhidze said.

The official said maintaining that pace would allow authorities to substantially address the issue within roughly four years.

“Based on these figures, it is realistic to resolve the problem entirely in about four years, and this remains one of our key priorities,” he added.

Kobakhidze also said the government is working with the Ministry of Justice of Georgia on simplifying procedures related to the granting of Georgian citizenship.

He noted that any legislative changes would require the involvement of Parliament and indicated that consultations on the matter are ongoing.