The government of Georgia has extended the visa-free stay in the country for citizens of Ukraine to two years.
As “Noviny-Georgia” reports, previously this was possible for a year, after which it was necessary to cross the border and enter Georgia again.
Ukrainian refugees in Georgia
According to the UN, at least 25,000 Ukrainian citizens have been refugees in Georgia since the beginning of the war.
At the same time, as the publication notes, the non-governmental organization Center for Social Justice emphasizes that only 20% of Ukrainian refugees are employed in Georgia. Another 58% would like to work, but there is no special state program in this direction. At the same time, 69% of them have higher education, and 84% have work experience.
Ukrainian refugees in Georgia say housing is the most serious problem because of rising rental prices. 35% of them do not have money for basic needs, 19% do not have regular access to food, 16% – to clothes and shoes, and 14% – to medical services.
The organization’s report also emphasizes that assistance was provided in the country for Ukrainian families who entered Georgia in March-July 2022, but at the same time, it is noted that Ukrainians who entered the country after July 15 cannot take advantage of this program . Also, since after the start of the war, many Ukrainians entered Georgia without the necessary documents, they could not take advantage of all the programs offered by the state.
The Center for Social Justice called on the Georgian government to develop a unified and coordinated plan of action to support Ukrainian refugees, in particular, to create a unified information portal that would allow them to receive comprehensive information in a language they understand.