EU allocates 3 million euros to Georgia to support migrants-returnees

The project of the European Union (EU) "Support of reintegration of Georgian migrants-returnees and of readmission agreement concluded between Georgia and EU" is aimed at the legislative and political improvement of the Georgian migration system. This was stated by the Czech Ambassador to Georgia Ivan Jestráb at a press conference dedicated to the project.

The press conference was held on March 17 at the Radisson Hotel in Tbilisi; it was opened by Ambassador Jestráb who said about allocation of 3 million euros by the EU on the project.

"The project will cover three directions," he explained. "These are the legal and political improvement of the Georgia's migration system, creation of two new employment centres and exchange of experiences."

The second element of the project includes help in job-search for returnees to Georgia, a grant programme for those wishing to start their businesses and provision of medical aid and temporary residence for those needy.

"We'll also hold a strong information campaign about the conditions of legal residence in EU countries and the risks of illegal migration," said Ivan Jestráb.

Philip Dimitrov, former Prime Minister of Bulgaria and now the EU Ambassador, clearly outlined priorities in his speech: "The readmission agreement and simplified visa regime are the two sides of one medal; they can't be successful without each other. Otherwise, we'll find ourselves behind the closed door of Europe."

A representative of the Hungarian migration service said that the project would be implemented in cooperation with European migration services based on the experience of Italy, Poland and Sweden.

All the Georgian ministers were invited to the conference, but only Koba Subeliani, Minister for Refugees and Accommodation, was present there. His Ministry will be responsible for implementing the project.

Mr Subeliani could not specify how many Georgian illegal migrants are currently in Europe and when the deportation of them may be expected.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 1 a simplified visa regime was introduced between EU and Georgia. The parties to the agreement are Georgia and the EU countries, except for Denmark, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Great Britain and Ireland.

For 12 categories of Georgian citizens the visa obtaining procedure is simplified - they will not pay visa fees. Others will pay less: 35 euros instead of 60. Besides, from March 1, the same agreements assume readmission of Georgian citizens from the EU countries.