Georgian truck drivers protest outside Foreign Ministry over Russia’s new visa restrictions

A group of Georgian freight carriers and drivers gathered on Monday outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest against new restrictions imposed by Russia, which they said were threatening their livelihoods.

Russian authorities have begun fining and deporting Georgian drivers, citing violations of visa-free stay regulations, according to media reports.

One of the protesters explained that the new rules had created serious difficulties for transport operators.

“This concerns Russia’s immigration policy. Drivers can no longer stay in Russia for more than 90 days. After entering the country four times, they lose the right to continue their transport operations,” the participant said.

Drivers also warned of the social impact of the restrictions, noting that many of them carried bank loans and financial obligations dependent on continued cross-border work.

Russia recently reduced the visa-free stay period for Georgian citizens from 180 days to 90 days, and due to long queues at border crossings, many truck drivers are reaching their stay limits before completing scheduled deliveries.

The protesters called on the Georgian Foreign Ministry to take diplomatic steps to address the issue and to negotiate relief measures for Georgian transport workers operating in Russia.