Georgian Parliament approves controversial bill tightening immigration laws

On May 13, the Georgian Parliament approved a legislative package on international protection in its first reading. Drafted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the bill seeks to refine the country’s regulations on granting asylum, combat illegal migration, and prevent abuse of the asylum system.

Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze presented the package to lawmakers, highlighting the necessity of stricter controls in light of recent developments. “In recent months, we have seen many foreigners involved in destructive activities on Rustaveli Avenue,” Darakhvelidze said, referring to ongoing anti-government protests. “There is no expulsion mechanism yet, and this bill aims to fix that.”

The proposed amendments introduce significant changes:

Criminal Code: Introduces expulsion and a temporary ban on re-entry as new forms of punishment for foreign nationals.

Administrative Code: Adds similar sanctions—expulsion and entry bans—for administrative offenses.

Increased fines: Tougher financial penalties for foreigners who violate residency or travel regulations.

Simplified expulsion process: Deporting individuals staying illegally in Georgia will be streamlined.

The bill also targets those who exploit the asylum system:

Accelerated review: Asylum seekers who fail to apply within one month of entering Georgia will be subject to fast-track procedures.

Border screening: A new mechanism allows asylum applications to be processed at the border without allowing entry if the applicant poses a national security risk.

Shortened deadlines: The timeframes for reviewing and appealing asylum decisions will be significantly reduced.

Digital notifications: A new electronic system will be used for delivering decisions, improving oversight of appeal deadlines.

Residence restrictions: Foreigners under expulsion review or those already ordered to leave will be barred from obtaining residence permits.

Darakhvelidze emphasized that these reforms will also apply to foreigners participating in political rallies. He stated that many of the protesters come from abroad and, while some have faced fines or short-term detention, their visa status has made it difficult for the state to remove them. “They enter Georgia with destructive goals,” he claimed, adding that the new measures will allow the government to “protect public order and security.”

Critics argue that the legislation is politically motivated and aims to suppress dissent amid ongoing demonstrations sparked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s pivot away from European integration. Since November 2024, large-scale protests have persisted following controversial election outcomes and the government's decision to abandon its EU membership bid.