**Tougher Penalties for Foreigners in Georgia: What You Need to Know**
The Georgian government is introducing new and stricter penalties for foreigners who break the law. These changes aim to maintain order and discipline among foreign citizens living, working, or visiting Georgia.
**Expulsion and Ban on Entry: New Measures**
The proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses introduce two severe measures: expulsion from Georgia and a ban on entry into the country. These penalties can be applied if a foreigner commits certain administrative offenses, such as petty hooliganism, disobedience to law enforcement officers, or verbal insults to state officials.
**Increased Monetary Sanctions**
In addition to these new measures, the draft law also increases monetary sanctions for various violations. For instance, a foreigner who overstays their visa by up to three months will face a fine of 1,000 GEL (a significant increase from the current 180 GEL). A ban on entry into Georgia for six months will also be applied as a penalty.
**Different Sanctions for Overstaying**
The proposed draft law defines different sanctions for overstaying a visa. If a foreigner stays in Georgia for up to one year after their legal stay expires, they will face a fine of 2,000 GEL and a two-year ban on entry. However, if they overstay by more than a year, the fine increases to 3,000 GEL, and the ban on entry extends to three years.
**Changes in Transit Travel Rules**
The draft law also increases the monetary sanction for violating transit travel rules from 100 to 500 GEL. This change aims to prevent foreigners from abusing their right to travel through Georgia without complying with the necessary regulations.
**Inviting Foreigners: Increased Responsibility**
Finally, the proposed amendments impose a higher fine of 2,000 GEL on individuals or legal entities who invite foreign citizens to Georgia or provide services to them, violating the rules for obtaining the right to live, work, and study in Georgia. This change aims to hold responsible parties accountable for any wrongdoing.
**Expert Commentary**
“These new measures are necessary to maintain order and discipline among foreign citizens living or visiting Georgia,” said a government spokesperson. “We want to ensure that our laws are enforced consistently and effectively.”
**Deeper Analysis**
The proposed amendments reflect the Georgian government’s commitment to enforcing its laws and protecting its citizens from potential harm. The introduction of expulsion and ban on entry measures, as well as increased monetary sanctions, demonstrates a desire to maintain order and discipline among foreign citizens.
However, some experts argue that these changes may be seen as overly harsh by some foreigners. “While the government has the right to enforce its laws, we must also consider the human rights implications of such measures,” said a human rights advocate.
As the proposed amendments move forward, it will be essential for the Georgian government to balance its desire for order and discipline with the need to protect the rights of foreign citizens.
