GNTA Head: Program 'Work from Georgia' Kicks Off

A new platform 'Work from Georgia' for foreign citizens wishing to work remotely in Georgia has been launched today. The project was prepared by the National Tourism Administration on the instructions of the Government of Georgia.

The National Tourism Administration reports that citizens and residents of more than 95 countries, including the United States and the European Union will visit Georgia within the framework of the project. They can stay in Georgia for more than 180 days. The new platform will be used by the self-employed, full-time employees who work remotely, and entrepreneurs who have the opportunity to run a business from anywhere in the world.

"The Government of Georgia offers foreign citizens the opportunity to travel and work remotely. This is an innovative project for our tourism industry. Within the framework of the project, the Government of Georgia allows citizens and residents of more than 95 countries the chance to travel, work and discover the unique places that are in our country. This project will be a significant source of income for guides, tourist transport, travel companies and hotels. The new project will bring even more tourists to Georgia, and most importantly, the average number of travelers will stay for a much longer period than in previous years.

"Based on the project, there are three categories: self-employed, full-time employees and entrepreneurs, who will be able to fill out the application on stopcov.ge. The participants in the project will go through a 12-day mandatory quarantine, the costs of which will be reimbursed by the foreign citizens themselves. Submitting health insurance will be mandatory,” the Head of the National Tourism Administration Mariam Kvrivishvili said.

The project will both help the private sector increase sales and maintain jobs, and will have a positive impact on Georgia's position as a safe destination.

"During the development of this project, we held numerous meetings with representatives of the tourism industry and we are glad that about 30 hotels have expressed interest in participating in the project as a commercial quarantine space, which will give them more financial benefits. After the end of the quarantine, on the 13th day, they will be able to rent apartments, and travel within Georgia for a long period of time. With this project we have the opportunity to become a unique direction in the whole world," Kvrivishvili noted.

She added that the project has already received positive feedback in international media.

"I would like to mention with pride that after the Georgian government announced this project, international publications including Forbes, the New York Times, and Insider prepared articles on Georgia's new initiative," Kvrivishvili said. 

The program 'Work from Georgia' has already been uploaded on stopgov.ge and everyone can use it.

By Ana Dumbadze 

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