**Tighter Immigration Rules in Georgia: What You Need to Know**
In a move aimed at cracking down on illegal migration, the Georgian government has given its Interior Ministry new powers to inspect foreigners’ homes and workplaces. The ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), adopted these changes into law last week after just two days of parliamentary deliberations.
**Increased Authority for Inspectors**
The amendments to the country’s Law on Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons allow a specially authorized body within the Interior Ministry to carry out inspections without a court order in “urgent cases”. This means that, if deemed necessary, inspectors can enter private property to check foreigners’ living arrangements or travel documents. They may also question individuals, verify identities, and conduct superficial checks on premises.
**Expanded Powers of Inspectors**
In addition to these new powers, the Interior Ministry has been given the authority to inspect workplaces where foreign nationals are employed. Inspectors will be able to request documentation proving a foreigner’s legal right to work in Georgia. This expansion of powers is part of the government’s broader effort to refine procedures for identifying and dealing with illegal migrants.
**Stepped-up Enforcement**
The Georgian Dream government has been stepping up its efforts against what it sees as a growing problem of unauthorized migration. In the first six months of this year, 525 foreigners were expelled from Georgia for living in the country illegally – three times more than during the same period last year. The Interior Ministry reported detaining 20 such individuals just last week.
**Concerns Over Human Rights**
While the government argues that these changes are necessary to ensure national security and public order, critics may worry about the potential impact on human rights. By expanding the authority of inspectors, there is a risk that foreigners may be unfairly targeted or harassed. The requirement for inspectors to obtain a court order within 24 hours in “urgent cases” may not provide sufficient safeguards against abuse.
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