The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze and the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of Belgium, Nicole de Moor summarized issues regarding the visa free regime with the EU/Schengen area at the press conference.

“Since the enforcement of visa-free travel regime, more than million citizens of our country have enjoyed this opportunity and conducted more than 1.5 million visits to various European countries. The absolute majority adheres to the rules of the visa-free travel dictated by the agreement, though there are cases of exceptions, when terms of staying are breached or the unfounded asylum applications are submitted. Those are the precise challenges that have been addressed during our meeting. We have outlined our plans envisaging efficient cooperation in this regard. Furthermore, we have discussed the measures undertaken by the Ministry with the Madame State Secretary.

As you are aware, the Police Attaches of the MIA are exercising their mandate in 19 EU countries, the information is being exchanged regularly. In addition, the exit-control system is efficiently operating at the borders of Georgia and the airports, which includes the inspection of all the necessary documents required for entry in Europe at the borders of Georgia. As of today, more than 3000 citizens of Georgia have been refused to depart the country, as their documents were not in compliance with requirements.

Illegal migration and unfounded claims for asylum are not the new problems. Our country also faces these problems. During the last 8 years, the cases of unfounded asylum applications have been increased 10 times in Georgia.

We have completely updated the legislation of Georgia and it is in compliance with the European standards so that Georgia can pursue a right and fair policy towards asylum seekers.

Within the framework of the meeting, we have elaborated plans together with the Secretary of State, regarding the cooperation between the two countries, in order to significantly reduce the cases of violation of the deadlines, as well as the number of unfounded requests for asylum”, - stated Aleksandre Darakhvelidze.

The parties highlighted the significance of the existing successful and fruitful law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze emphasized the political and practical importance of visa-free travel in the process of Georgia’s European integration path.