700 Georgians Requested Asylum in Germany During January

In January alone, 700 Georgian citizens requested asylum in Germany, with almost 100% of requests refused, according to the Germany Embassy in Georgia.  

Moreover, the Embassy said that the number of Georgian citizens requesting asylum is growing, despite the fact that most requests end up being denied. 

"Germany, as a close partner and friend of Georgia for decades, supported the visa-free travel for Georgian citizens in March 2017. Visa-free travel enhances the diverse cultural, economic and public contacts between Germany and Georgia. However, over the last few months, the number of Georgian citizens requesting asylum in Germany has increased, despite the fact that most requests are denied. The number of asylum seekers has increased three times. 700 Georgian citizens requested asylum in Germany in January alone, and almost 100% of them were refused. A similar situation has been observed in other EU countries, too. 

The substantial increase in the number of people who stay in Germany illegally or request an asylum without grounds, causes concerns for the Federal Government of Germany, hence it is necessary to respond to this problem quickly and effectively. In addition, apart from the measures taken at a national and EU level, special importance is given to the partnership with the Georgian Government in order to significantly reduce the abuse of visa-free travel. That's why Germany wants to deepen its already close cooperation on readmission issues with Georgia. In addition, Germany will prohibit entry into Schengen zone for those who were refused asylum. 

“It is necessary to make rapid and sustainable changes in order to strengthen the visa-free regime," the German Embassy said. 

By Máté Földi