The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Aleksandre Darakhvelidze and the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of Belgium, Ms. Nicole de Moor summarized issues regarding the visa free regime with the EU/Schengen area at the press conference held in ‘Radisson Blue Iveria’ Hotel.
Aleksandre Darakhvelidze opened the joint press conference with the welcoming remarks. The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of Belgium discussed the key issues of bilateral cooperation and challenges emerging since the visa-free travel, as well as the measures undertaken by the Government of Georgia and the Ministry of Internal affairs in response to the mentioned challenges.
‘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 of Internal Affairs 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.
“I had a very fruitful meeting with Minister Gomelauri. We have reaffirmed, that Georgia and Belgium have a good partnership relations. We are glad, to open doors to every Georgian, who wants to study and work in Belgium. For this purpose, there are special procedures and criteria in my country.
One of the reasons I have come here is to explain these procedures more clearly. What I have noticed is that, there is a spread of “fake news” regarding the migration to Belgium. There are legal and illegal migration routes and it is utmost important that Georgians have correct information on legal migration to Belgium, in order to avoid any kind of unpleasant surprises when arriving in Belgium.
I would like to emphasize on three aspects. First – the portion of the positive decisions on asylum application of Georgian citizens is small, as Belgium has awarded Georgia the status of Safe Country of Origin. Second – Asylum application are never accepted on bases of economic status. The negative decision is made rapidly, and those who does not satisfy the criteria have to leave the country immediately. Those who are visiting Belgium as a tourists, should meet with entering criteria and can stay without visa for the restricted period. They will be checked thoroughly at the border.
Third – if you are halted at the border, or if you don’t have the visa, you are required to leave the country, if there is the necessity, you may be forced to returned to your country. Our countries have elaborated the effective procedures, that also covers travel ban. The last advice, I would like to share with you, as Georgia is a rapidly developing country, I would like to advice Georgian young generation to continue seeking opportunities in their country, in Georgia you have opportunities, while living in Belgium is not always easy. I would like to thank Georgian side and Minister for effective cooperation regarding migration issues”- stated the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of Belgium, Ms. Nicole de Moor.
Following the main section of the press conference, Mr. Aleksandre Darakhvelidze and Ms. Nicole de Moor answered the questions of the media representatives.
Within the framework of the official visit in Georgia, the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of Belgium, Ms. Nicole de Moor conducted her first meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Mr. Vakhtang Gomelauri. The parties discussed the actual areas of cooperation between the two countries and the perspectives of strengthening the future bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, the issues of visa-free travel to the EU/Schengen area and the mechanisms developed in response to the existing challenges have been considered.
