Tbilisi rejects reports on declining simplified legal employment rules for citizens in German deal

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Thursday rejected what it termed as “misinformation” circulating in the media, particularly reports suggesting that the Georgian side had declined the “Balkan model” while agreeing on the new migration deal with Germany. 

This model implies simplified procedures for legal employment in Germany. The Ministry clarified that throughout the negotiation process, which involved extensive meetings and visits, discussions on the Balkan model were not part of the agenda.

According to the Ministry, the signed agreement marks a significant stride in Georgia’s European integration. The clarification comes in response to “high public interest” as the Ministry underscores the commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation with Germany in the realms of labor migration and education. The deal, inked on Tuesday, is anticipated to bolster collaboration by enhancing educational and internship programs for Georgian students and researchers, while also addressing challenges posed by illegal migration.

In further detail, the Ministry explained that the agreement serves as a comprehensive framework for collaboration. Expert groups are set to be established to formulate future cooperation plans and strategies, focusing on areas such as labor migration, education, and internships. 
The working group will advocate for initiatives aligning with the best interests of Georgian citizens involved in labor migration.

The scope of legal employment for Georgian citizens in the German labor market is poised to expand, covering not only seasonal jobs but also providing increased opportunities in sectors such as logistics, transport, and services. Additionally, the agreement aims to improve working conditions for Georgian citizens already employed in various European Union countries, with plans to deepen cooperation through enhanced training for specialists and improvements to the education system. The promotion of exchange programs for students, interns, and researchers remains a central focus.

A crucial objective outlined in the agreement is to reinforce circular migration and legal labor migration from Georgia to Germany, with a keen consideration of mutual interests. This approach seeks to facilitate an orderly migration of the workforce, particularly qualified personnel, in response to the current labor market situation in Georgia.The Georgian Interior Ministry concluded by commending the German Government’s recent decision to classify Georgia as a safe country of origin.