Poland weighs suspension of visa-free travel for Georgia amid rising crime concerns

Polish authorities are actively considering the suspension of the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens in response to a reported increase in crimes linked to Georgian nationals residing in Poland.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Tusk stated that Polish law enforcement and migration authorities are currently analysing the legal grounds for initiating the cancellation process while also intensifying deportation efforts targeting individuals involved in criminal activities.

“As far as Georgian citizens are concerned, we have a problem with domestic crime. I know it is not a national trait of Georgians, I would not say so, but it so happens that today there are certain organised crime groups. We have already conducted several deportation operations and we will not hesitate a minute,” the Prime Minister said.

The move comes amid growing public and political concern in Poland over a spate of crimes allegedly committed by Georgian nationals. Most recently, four Georgian citizens were detained for reportedly robbing a pensioner, according to Polish media reports from late July.

Under the existing visa-free agreement with the European Union, Georgian citizens can enter the Schengen Area for short stays without a visa. Any decision to revoke or suspend this privilege would likely require coordination at the EU level.

By Vafa Guliyeva