The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) will be granted the authority to enter and inspect residences, workplaces, or other private property to detect and identify illegal migrants.

These provisions are outlined in amendments to the Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons,” which were introduced at today’s Bureau session.

According to the draft, such inspections may be conducted based on a court order. However, if there is consent from a co-owner of the property or the employer at the workplace, the inspection may proceed without a judge’s order.

The draft also states that in urgent situations—where delays may result in the foreign national fleeing, destroying or concealing travel documents—the Ministry of Internal Affairs may carry out an inspection immediately. In such cases, the Ministry must submit a petition to a judge within 24 hours.

Additionally, during inspections of a foreigner’s residence or workplace, police officers will be authorised to carry out questioning, identification, superficial searches, and, where legally permitted, other preventive and coercive measures.

When inspecting a workplace, police may also request documentation from the employer proving the foreigner’s legal right to work in Georgia.