**Georgian Prime Minister Warns of Negative Impact of Visa Liberalization**
In a recent statement on Rustavi 2, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed concerns about the negative effects of visa liberalization. He argued that while it may be beneficial for citizens to travel to European countries without a visa, it actually encourages migration and hinders economic growth.
**Visa Liberalization: A Double-Edged Sword**
According to the Prime Minister, visa liberalization has no direct connection with economic growth. Instead, it creates an incentive for people to leave their home country in search of better opportunities abroad. He cited the examples of Lithuania and Latvia, which experienced significant population decreases after becoming EU members and having their visa regimes lifted.
**The Labor Force: A Key Driver of Economic Growth**
Kobakhidze emphasized that a larger labor force is essential for economic growth. Without visa liberalization, he claimed that many more Georgian citizens would have remained in the country, leading to an increase in the labor force and subsequently boosting economic growth.
**A Matter of Rationality**
The Prime Minister stressed that it’s essential to maintain visa liberalization as a benefit for Georgian citizens. However, he emphasized that any measures taken should be within rational limits. He rejected the idea that economic growth is directly linked to visa liberalization, calling such statements “empty speculations.”
**Expert Opinions Align with the Prime Minister**
Kobakhidze’s views on the topic seem to be supported by experts in the field. Any rational analysis of the situation would likely conclude that while visa liberalization has its benefits, it also carries negative consequences for a country’s economy.
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