Fines and entry bans: Georgia tightens rules for foreigners

Tengrinews.kz – Starting October 1, Georgia will implement new rules introducing higher fines and a simplified deportation process for foreigners who overstay their legal period in the country, according to Newsgeorgia.ge.

Increased fines under the Administrative Offenses Code:

• Overstay of up to three months – 1,000 lari (approx. $360) and an entry ban of up to six months (previously: 180 lari, no entry ban);
• Overstay from three months to one year – 2,000 lari and a two-year entry ban (previously: 360 lari);
• Overstay of more than one year – 3,000 lari and a three-year entry ban.

“Violation of transit rules will cost foreigners 500 lari. Moreover, both individuals and legal entities in Georgia who invite foreigners for services bypassing established procedures will now face not just a warning (as before), but a fine of 2,000 lari – up from 1,000,” the outlet reports.

The new rules also modify the Criminal Code of Georgia. Courts will now be allowed to order deportation of foreigners convicted of crimes, along with entry bans:

• From 2 to 10 years for less serious crimes;
• From 5 to 20 years or even permanently for serious and especially serious crimes;
• The entry ban for an administrative offense may not exceed five years.

“Georgian authorities explain that these changes aim to strengthen control over illegal migration and prevent abuse of asylum procedures. The parliament approved the package of amendments in July. In total, 18 laws were affected, including the Law on International Protection,” Newsgeorgia.ge notes.