Financial penalties for foreign nationals and stateless persons who commit certain legal violations in Georgia are set to increase, according to proposed legislation.

Under changes submitted to Parliament by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, foreigners or stateless persons who remain in Georgia for up to three months after their legal stay expires will face a fine of 1,000 GEL, up from the current 180 GEL. Additionally, offenders will be banned from entering Georgia for six months.

The amendments also stipulate that those who overstay between three months and one year will be fined 2,000 GEL and banned from entry for two years. Those remaining illegally for more than one year will face a 3,000 GEL fine and a three-year entry ban.

The draft legislation also increases penalties for transit violations across Georgian territory from 100 GEL to 500 GEL.

Furthermore, Georgian legal entities or individuals who invite foreigners or stateless persons to Georgia, provide services to them, or use their services in violation of established residence, work or study permit rules will face fines of 2,000 GEL, an increase from the current 100 GEL penalty.