**Georgia Expels Foreign Nationals Amid Tightened Immigration Controls**
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the Georgian government announced on May 22 that it had expelled 15 foreign nationals from the country. These individuals hail from Turkey, Nigeria, Turkmenistan, China, India, Jordan, Egypt, Romania, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Iran, and Russia.
According to official statements, these expulsions were carried out in accordance with national legislation. This development comes on the heels of a legislative push by the ruling Georgian Dream party to strengthen immigration controls within the country. On May 13, the party successfully passed a package of laws related to immigration through its first reading, garnering an overwhelming 81 votes in favor.
**Expulsions Linked to Anti-Government Protests?**
The expulsions have been met with skepticism by many, who see them as part of a larger effort by the Georgian Dream party to silence dissent. The legislative package introduced by the party includes measures that allow for the expulsion and re-entry ban on foreign nationals found guilty of administrative offenses such as petty hooliganism, disobeying police orders, violating public assembly rules, assaulting public officials, and breaking internal travel regulations.
Interestingly, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze hinted during a parliamentary presentation that these measures might specifically target foreigners participating in anti-government protests. This statement has sparked concerns about the government’s intentions and its willingness to suppress opposition voices.
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