Ukraine leads influx of asylum seekers to Georgia in recent months

Georgia has seen an influx of 379 asylum seekers from the past three months, with the largest contingent, 66 individuals, hailing from Ukraine. Concurrently, Georgia has expelled 59 citizens from other countries. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs statistics reveal a diverse mix of asylum seekers, including 51 from India, 45 from Iran, 43 from Turkey, 35 from Pakistan, 23 from Russia, 15 from Iraq, 14 from Jordan, 12 from Nigeria, and 10 from Syria. Additionally, there were 9 asylum seekers from Belarus.

In terms of status grants, the first quarter of 2024 saw 11 individuals awarded humanitarian status, with the majority, 9 persons, being citizens of Ukraine, along with one from Iraq and one of unspecified nationality. Meanwhile, refugee status was granted to 3 individuals, 2 from Iran and 1 of unidentified citizenship.

The statistics also highlight instances of denial, with 158 individuals from foreign countries being refused status during the same period. Notably, this includes 33 citizens from Turkey, 29 from Iran, 22 from Pakistan, 15 from Nigeria, and 8 from Russia.

Furthermore, Georgia has expelled 59 individuals from other countries over the past three months, with notable cases including 11 citizens of Iraq and 7 from Iran, as well as 5 each from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Nigeria, and Russia.

During this timeframe, 16 foreign nationals, including 23 from Azerbaijan, were housed in Georgia’s temporary accommodation center, along with 10 from China, 6 from Russia, 4 from Turkey, 1 from Ukraine, and 1 citizen from Armenia.

The humanitarian status is granted to individuals unable to meet conditions for refugee status but facing threats to their life or rights if returned to their country of origin. On the other hand, refugee status is awarded to those fearing persecution based on various grounds and unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to such fears.