Flow of emigrants from Georgia increased in 2018
The flow of emigrants from Georgia has increased in 2018. Russia accommodates most of the emigrants from Georgia, according to the Georgia’s migration profile 2019.
The report says that number of Georgians, resided in Russia, has deceased in recent years, while the number of Georgian citizens, who left Russia and returned to Georgia, has risen.
According to the same report, the number of Georgian citizens, who are living in Russia, amounted to 6 345 persons in 2018, while 4 314 citizens of Georgia returned back to Georgia.
“The latest data published by “Geostat” shows that the highest number of emigrants was reported in 2018 during the last four years,” the Georgia’s migration profile 2019 reads.
According to the report, since 2015 the number of Georgian citizens holding a residence permit in the EU has also increased. Their number increased by 8.5% in 2018 compared to 2017. 60% of Georgian citizens with a residence permit are resided in Greece, Italy and Germany. They mainly have residence permits issued on the basis of labor (paid) activities and for the purpose of family reunification.
Furthermore, after the EU / Schengen visa-free regime came into force, the number of Georgian citizens seeking asylum in these countries has increased dramatically. Most Georgian citizens sought asylum in France and Germany. The majority (approximately 95%) of Georgian citizens' applications for asylum in the EU / Schengen countries have been rejected by the relevant authorities as the asylum claims were considered unfounded.
According to the report, the number of Georgian citizens, who were identified as illegal migrants in EU countries in 2018, has increased significantly. The most illegal Georgian citizens were identified in Germany, France and Greece.
“The number of Georgian citizens receiving residence permits in Turkey has also risen. Citizens of Georgia are mainly resided in Turkey due to jobs, family reunification and short-term residence permits, ”the report said.
