Georgia weighs simplifying citizenship for ethnic Georgians abroad

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the government is considering simplifying procedures for granting citizenship to ethnic Georgians living abroad. Consultations on the issue are being held with the justice minister.

In an interview with local Imedi TV, Kobakhidze said foreign nationals, including people of Georgian origin, can currently obtain citizenship through naturalisation, provided they reside in the country and demonstrate knowledge of the Georgian language, history, and Constitution.

However, the prime minister said such procedures could be simplified for ethnic Georgians who do not speak the language.

Kobakhidze noted that millions of ethnic Georgians live abroad, including large diasporas in Türkiye and Iran. The potential return of such communities to Georgia requires broad public discussion, he added.

He also recalled that since 2022, about 40,000 Georgian citizens have returned to the country, mainly from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states.

The prime minister emphasised that emigration remains a serious challenge for Georgia, while immigration requires careful regulation. According to him, three factors drive migration inflows: the country’s openness to tourism, the presence of foreign students, and economic growth accompanied by labour shortages.

In 2024, Georgia recorded a positive migration balance among its citizens for the first time since 2020.