CHARACTERISTICS OF LABOR MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION POLICY: THE CASE OF GEORGIA

Abstract

The issue of labor migration and immigration policy in Georgia is becoming increasingly complex. Alongside the growth of economic activity, businesses point to a severe shortage of labor and consider attracting foreign workers a necessity. On the other hand, there are concerns within society regarding the protection of the local labor market and wage dynamics, while the state seeks to place labor migration within a strictly regulated and secure framework. The high rate of migration and the protection of the rights of labor migrants currently represent one of the major challenges facing Georgia. One-fifth of Georgia’s population states that, if given the opportunity, they would consider leaving the country within the next year. This attitude is driven by high inflation and the unequal distribution of income. Despite double-digit economic growth, significant increases in prices and the uneven distribution of income have resulted in a decline in the real incomes of the population. Unemployment and high levels of poverty are among the key factors encouraging people to seek sources of income abroad. In recent years, significant steps have been taken in Georgia toward regulating and recording labor migration processes. However, challenges remain, and additional changes are needed to further improve the management and registration of labor migration processes. This would enable the production of accurate and transparent statistics on labor migration, help eliminate irregular labor migration, make the local labor market more protected and competitive, and, based on an assessment of the needs of various economic sectors, develop a flexible and results-oriented labor policy aimed at improving the economic well-being of Georgian citizens.