Tbilisi: The Integration Committee with Europe, under the chairmanship of the Georgian MP Maka Botchorishvili, discussed the changes to the Law on Labor Migration, with subsequent bills.
 Maka Botchorishvili noted – “Tomorrow marks 6 years since the implementation of the visa-free regime to the EU. This is really the most important achievement for our citizens in relations with the EU. However, the visa-free travel regime with the EU does not mean employment opportunities.Â
Now that Georgia is entering a new stage of relations with the EU and the prospect of EU membership has arisen, it is time to prepare for full integration into the EU. This also means readiness for integration into the EU market, including into the labor market.Â
The issue of labor migration is complex and requires the involvement of various state agencies. Step-by-step response to all the challenges that exist in this direction, in order to protect the rights of our citizens and the interests of the state”, said Maka Botchorishvili, Chairman of the Integration Committee with Europe.
 The adoption of the bill responds to recommendations based on the thematic study carried out by the Committee on Integration with Europe of Georgia’s Parliament on “Opportunities and challenges for integration into the EU labor market”, including on labor migration and the refining of the normative base related to the activities of private employment agencies.
 Amendments to the law provide for the mandatory certification of natural and legal persons carrying out work related activities outside Georgia. Certification will be free and this process will be implemented by the Ministry of Refugees, Labor, Health and Social Protection from the Occupied Territories of Georgia. Certified companies will have the opportunity to join in circular migration schemes.
 The project also envisages the mandatory registration of data by local employers about employment of foreigners without a permanent residence permit in Georgia for displaced people from the occupied territories, in an online system created by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Security and on the basis of this data provided by law, permanent residence in Georgia do not have permission to issue immigration visa (D1) to a foreigner.
 In addition to the law “On Labor Migration”, changes are also planned: “On Labor Inspection”, “On Legal Status of Foreigners and Non-citizens”, “On Employment Promotion” in laws and in the “Labor Code of Georgia”.
 The meeting noted that the Integration Committee with Europe continues to monitor the implementation of the recommendations made within the framework of the thematic survey “Opportunities and challenges of integration into the EU labor market” conducted last year.
