“First of all I would like to congratulate all of you for the progress achieved in the direction of visa liberation with the European Union.
You are aware that Georgia officially received visa liberation action plan in 2013 and throughout these years Georgian government made its best efforts for successfully fulfilling the undertaken commitments. This was a complex process, involving entire governmental bodies. One of the leading role belonged to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 60% of the commitments envisaged by visa liberalization action plan were targeted to be implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including border integration management, fight against illegal migration, organized crime, drug crime and trafficking and enhancing international cooperation in law enforcement sphere.
I would like to thank all the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who made their contribution to fulfill the undertaken commitments.
I want to congratulate them for this particular outcome.
Tomorrow the door of the European Union will be opened for the Georgian citizens.
This is a great trust and recognition from the side of European partners, which, at the same time, is also a huge responsibility.
Today I signed an order which will oblige our border-controllers from March 28 to consult citizens willing to travel to European states on the terms of the visa free regime at the border crossing points of the country. Border-controllers will also be obliged to inspect whether citizens’ travel documents are in full compliance with Schengen requirements.
In case if the examination and consultation reveals that any of the documents do not comply with the Schengen border crossing required standards, border controller will inform the traveler on the possible outcome which can mean that particular person will probably not be allowed to enter the Schengen zone.
This is an additional activity exercised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide citizens with maximal information in order not to violate terms of visa regime.
Herewith, as you may know, according to the instructions of the Prime Minister we’ve elaborated special program which enables efficient identification of those who violate visa free regime and provide our European colleagues with information proactively.
I would like to note that in the past 6 years period, Georgia received 7300 notices on readmission from EU countries, out of which 95% have been approved, which proves the close cooperation with law enforcement bodies of the EU states based on mutual agreements and successful work of police attaches.
The most important and historic agreement in the direction of enhancing international police cooperation with European partners, will be signed on April 4 between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and EUROPOL. It means that we are about to become an integral part of the EU in law enforcement sphere, which is an important step forward on the way to European integration.
I want to congratulate you once again and all of us should remember that road to Europe lies on the respect of law!
Best wishes!”
