The State Employment Promotion Agency introduced to businesses, employers, and banking associations the amendments to the “Law on Labor Migration”, which will be effective from March 1.
The event was opened by the Minister of Refugees, Labor, Health, and Social Protection from the Occupied Territories. According to Mikheil Sarjveladze’s statement, the priority of the state is to take care of the welfare of each citizen, ensure and protect their right to work. As the Minister noted during his speech, it is very important to introduce certain mechanisms and implement them effectively for this purpose.
The presentation on the legislative changes was presented by the Deputy Minister of Health, Giorgi Tsagareishvili, and the Deputy Director of the State Employment Promotion Agency, Giorgi Buntur.
At the meeting, implementation and technical aspects were discussed in detail, as well as the issue of quotation. As noted, it is necessary to address migration issues in certain frameworks, to prevent illegal migration and employment, as well as the flow of financial resources created by economic activities from countries.
Representatives of the associations expressed their opinions on the changes, and then the meeting continued in question-and-answer mode.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health and other government agencies.
Under the change, a foreign citizen will be required to obtain a “right to work” to be employed legally, including remotely. “Right to Work” permits for foreigners are issued by the “State Employment Promotion Agency,” and obtaining the permit is free.
The right to work will be given to a specific position and a specific employer for 1 year. Regarding self-employed foreigners, the work permit will be granted according to a specific field, sector, or entrepreneurship. For citizens of a foreign country, work permits will not be issued to provide guides, taxi, or courier services.
It is worth noting that the changes have been set in terms of agreement periods – until January 1, 2027, for those who are already registered in the electronic system of labor migration and are legally employed. The second prolongation period extends to May 1, 2026, and will apply to self-employed foreigners who are already working/entrepreneurial activities in Georgia.
If a foreign citizen avoids the norms stipulated by the law on “work migration”, it will result in fines for both the employed and the employer, including financial penalties for the self-employed foreigner.
