“When a foreign citizen enters Georgia, they must be subject to the legislation, just as our citizens are subject to the laws of the land,” said MP Guram Macharashvili, the executive secretary of the People’s Power party.

According to him, everyone must recognise that we live in a state governed by the rule of law.

“If we look at any civilised and democratic country, those who are not legally present within its borders do not enjoy official labour rights. If, according to the legislation of the country, a foreign citizen does not have the right to reside legally, how can they have the right to work? When we discuss rights, we must remember that entering a foreign country is for a specific purpose. If it’s not for tourism or education, then naturally, the individual must first obtain the legal right to reside, as established by that country’s legislation, before considering labour rights.

What is discrimination? Is it discrimination to detain a person during a robbery, or to restrict their rights in that context? Claims must be made within reasonable bounds. When we talk about a person being unlawfully present in the country, what kind of discrimination or rights are we referring to? Everyone must accept that we live in a legal state.

When a foreign citizen is in Georgia, they should be subject to the same legislation as our citizens are in their own country,” Macharashvili asserted.

Furthermore, according to the Georgian government’s resolution, foreigners without a permanent residence permit are prohibited from employment in passenger transportation, courier services, and as tour guides.