Foreign Nationals Expelled from Georgia

In 2024, the expulsion of 363 foreign nationals from Georgia marks a significant increase, representing a 91% rise compared to 2023. According to official statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the previous year saw 190 foreign nationals expelled, indicating that the number has nearly doubled.

An analysis of this data shows that Azerbaijani citizens account for the largest share, with 71 individuals expelled. Additionally, Iranian (54) and Indian (33) nationals are among the top groups of foreign nationals removed from the country in 2024. It is also noteworthy that Turkish (31) and Nigerian (31) citizens represent a significant portion of those expelled.

Interestingly, 20 Russian citizens were also forced to leave Georgia in 2024. This suggests that, despite Georgia’s complex political relations with Russia, it is not the country with the highest number of expulsions. For comparison, 13 Russian nationals were expelled in 2023, meaning that this figure has increased by 54% this year.

The sharp increase in expulsions could be attributed to several factors, including stricter migration controls, an increase in legal violations, or a tightening of national security policies. Additionally, it is possible that Georgia has intensified its efforts to combat illegal migration, leading to a significant rise in the number of deportations in 2024.

For comparison, in 2023, the leading nationalities expelled from Georgia also included Azerbaijanis (41), Iranians (32), and Indians (27), but their numbers were significantly lower than the 2024 figures.

Given these changes, it is evident that Georgia’s immigration policies have become stricter. The government’s priorities may now be focused on border control and strengthening national security, which, in turn, has led to a greater need for regulating the presence of migrants within the country.

Looking ahead, this trend could continue to evolve in the coming years, depending on both domestic security concerns and global migration dynamics.