Ministry of Internal Affairs: A legislative package has been prepared to improve the fight against illegal migration and refine regulations related to granting international protection

To refine the regulations related to granting international protection to foreigners or stateless persons, combat illegal migration, and prevent the abuse of the asylum procedure, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has prepared a legislative package titled “On International Protection.” This is stated in a statement released by the Ministry.

According to the statement, the legislative package has been submitted to the legislative body for consideration.

As the Ministry explains, the legislative package was prepared in accordance with the directives of the European Parliament and Council.

According to the amendments:

A new form of punishment is added to the Criminal Code – deportation of a foreigner from Georgia and prohibition of entry into Georgia for a specified period;

A new form of administrative penalty is added to the Code of Administrative Offenses – deportation of a foreigner and prohibition of entry into Georgia;

Fines will increase for foreigners who violate the rules of stay on the territory of Georgia

The procedure for deporting foreigners illegally residing in the country will be significantly simplified.

To prevent abuse of the asylum procedure:

An accelerated asylum review procedure will be introduced for foreigners who do not apply for asylum within one month of entering the country;

A new mechanism will be implemented whereby asylum applications can be reviewed at the state border without allowing the foreigner to enter Georgian territory, if their entry poses a threat to state security;

The timeframes for reviewing and appealing asylum decisions will be significantly shortened;

A simplified (electronic) method for delivering decisions will be introduced, which will help control the appeal timeframes more effectively;

Issuance of residence permits in Georgia will be restricted for foreigners whose deportation case is under review or who have already received a deportation decision,– the statement reads.