Georgian Interior Ministry rejects claims over deportation spending

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has rejected allegations that public funds were improperly spent on the deportation of foreign nationals residing illegally in the country, describing recent media reports as “manipulative” and “disinformation”.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said claims that it had misused budget resources during deportation procedures were intended to mislead the public.

The body claimed nearly 2,300 foreign nationals staying illegally in Georgia have been expelled from the country since June 2025. Officials said the state covered deportation expenses in only 2% of cases, while the remaining 98% paid for their own return costs.

The ministry also denied reports suggesting that nearly 2,000 lari had been spent on a one-way ticket for the deportation of a single foreign citizen.

It said the figure reflected not only the travel expenses of the deportee, but also the costs associated with escort officers accompanying the individual in line with international standards and security requirements.

The ministry added forced deportations required supervision by migration officers to ensure safety during the process. In most cases, the escort team consisted of at least two ministry employees, although some airlines required three officers to be present.

The ministry said deportation procedures were carried out in accordance with legal regulations and international standards, adding that migration control was an important mechanism for protecting state security, public order and national interests.

Officials also called on certain media outlets and affiliated individuals to refrain from spreading what the ministry described as “unchecked and manipulative information”.