Thousands readmitted to Georgia from EU countries in 2024

A total of 4,173 individuals were returned to Georgia from European Union (EU) member states last year under the readmission agreement between Georgia and the EU, the Ministry of Internal Affairs data said.

The ministry’s statistics indicated that 4,196 readmission applications had been reviewed over the past year, with only 23 cases being rejected.

The majority of return decisions were issued by Germany, which accounted for 2,537 cases. Other countries with significant numbers of returns include France (700), Greece (200), Switzerland (148), Italy (91), and Poland (90). Additional readmissions were recorded from Ireland (66), Spain (58), Belgium (48), the United Kingdom (42), Austria (38), the Netherlands (37), and Sweden (25).

The readmission process is governed by the Agreement between Georgia and the EU On the Readmission of Persons Residing Without Authorization, which has been in effect since March 1, 2011. Under the agreement, Georgian nationals who are found to be residing illegally within the EU are returned to Georgia. The agreement also extends to third-country nationals under specific conditions outlined in the treaty.

According to the agreement, all transportation costs associated with readmission and transit up to the border of the final destination state are covered by the requesting country. The agreement aims to facilitate legal migration while ensuring the return of those who do not have legal grounds to remain in EU states.