On October 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree expanding the grounds for visa-free regimes for Georgian citizens. Labor migrants from Georgia are now allowed to stay in Russia longer than three months. Previously, this right was only available to all other Georgians who entered the country. Russians can stay in Georgia 365 days straight.
The changes were made by a decree published in spring 2023, when Russia cancelled visas for Georgians. Prior to this, all Georgians could enter Russia during a period of 90 days or more, except those who came for work or study. These restrictions are now lifted.
The decree comes only two weeks before the crucial Georgian parliamentary elections. The opposition views the elections as a referendum on Europe and Russia. The decree is effective the day it is published, and these citizens can now visit Russia “on the basis” of valid identity documents, such as a Georgian passport, diplomatic passport or service passport, seaman’s book or travel document to return to Georgia.
The Russian authorities’ decision from last year was met with contradictory responses. Salome Zurabishvili, the Georgian president, called it “another Russian provocation” and said that “we do not need gifts disguised as concessions from Russia.” The ruling GD welcomed the decision. Commenting on Moscow‘s decision to abolish visas and lift the ban on flights with Georgia, Georgian foreign minister Ilia Darchiashvili stated that this decision is “welcome for any responsible government” from a human rights perspective.
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