**Georgia’s Crackdown on Immigration: A Sweeping Legislative Package to Tighten Controls**
The Georgian government has introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at strengthening immigration controls and targeting foreign nationals, citing an increase in illegal migration and related criminal activity. The proposed amendments aim to overhaul the country’s approach to expelling foreign nationals and introduce new biometric data collection measures, as well as harsher penalties for administrative and legal offenses.
**Biometric Measures and Expulsion Provisions**
One of the key provisions is the introduction of biometric measures, including photographing and fingerprinting individuals residing in Georgia without legal status. Foreigners who refuse to comply may face coercive measures to collect their data. The draft law also proposes a new risk assessment mechanism to determine whether a foreign national is likely to abscond, taking into account factors such as the use of false documents or ambiguity about identity or nationality.
**Amendments to Administrative Offenses and Criminal Code**
The proposed changes to Georgia’s Code of Administrative Offenses would introduce two new penalties for foreign nationals: expulsion from Georgia and a ban on entry. Petty hooliganism, disobedience to law enforcement orders, verbal insults, or violations related to public gatherings could trigger these sanctions. Fines for immigration-related offenses would also increase significantly, with overstaying by up to three months incurring a fine of 1,000 GEL or a six-month entry ban.
**Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding and Authoritarian Rule**
The proposed package comes amidst Georgia’s democratic backsliding and the Georgian Dream government’s increasing authoritarian rule. The expulsions have raised alarm among human rights defenders and international observers, who fear these measures may be used to suppress dissent. Journalists, photographers, and human rights defenders have been denied entry to Georgia in recent months, allegedly for political reasons.
**Impact on 18 Laws**
If the proposed package is adopted, the amendments would impact 18 Georgian laws, including changes to the Law on Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons and the Code of Administrative Offenses. The Criminal Code would also be amended to make expulsion and entry bans formal punishments for foreign nationals convicted of crimes.
**Commentary: A Move Towards Greater Control**
The proposed legislative package appears to be a move towards greater control over immigration and foreign nationals in Georgia. While citing concerns about illegal migration and related criminal activity, the government’s actions have raised questions about the true motives behind these measures. The impact on human rights defenders, journalists, and other individuals has been significant, with many facing denial of entry or expulsion.
**Analysis: A Shift Towards Authoritarianism**
The Georgian Dream government’s actions suggest a shift towards authoritarianism, where dissent is being suppressed through various means, including immigration controls. The proposed package may be used to target opposition voices and limit freedom of expression, further eroding Georgia’s democratic credentials.
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