The ruling Georgian Dream Chair, Irakli Kobakhidze, feels that exaggerated migration fears have been created, but statistics show there is no reason for concern.

“Demographics and migration require special attention, and we do not have the best situation, which has objective causes, but the fear is entirely false, as evidenced by specific statistics. During the previous government’s nine-year tenure, 221,000 more citizens left than returned to the country. According to Geostat, the actual number between 2013 and 2021 was 52,000. In terms of migration, this means that the statistic has improved 4.3 times,” he stated.

According to the GD Chair, visa liberalisation with the EU has also boosted migration.

“Despite visa liberalisation, this rate has not deteriorated significantly, and migration has grown modestly. After the introduction of the visa-free travel regime with the European Union, the negative migration balance in 2018–21 was just 29 thousand, implying that in four years, only 29 thousand more people have left the country than entered. It is not ideal, but it is far better than during the previous government,” Irakli Kobakhidze stated.

According to him, the US has a strict visa policy for Georgian citizens, which has both good and bad implications.

“This situation causes significant difficulties for Georgians, prompting some to take risks and go to the United States via Mexico. On the other hand, the tough visa regulation substantially restricts Georgian immigration to the United States, which has a positive effect,” he went on.

GD Chair published a Facebook post on migration on Monday.