Georgian authorities have prepared amendments to migration legislation that will make it more difficult for foreign students and spouses of Georgian citizens to obtain residence permits. Additionally, the powers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in combating illegal migration will be expanded. This is reported on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 🔵 Details. Authorities want to recognize sham marriages for the purpose of obtaining residence permits or citizenship as a criminal offense, punishable by up to two years in prison. Foreigners may be deported with a ban on entering Georgia. Rules for student residence permits will also be tightened. Only students of accredited educational institutions will be able to obtain them. The document may be revoked for violating academic requirements, failing to comply with employment conditions, or prolonged absence from the country. A language certificate or an exam in a foreign or state language will be required for admission to Georgian universities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will have the right to conduct operational-search activities to combat illegal migration. Judicial procedures in migration cases are to be accelerated: deadlines for appeals and case reviews will be reduced, and some cases will be considered without oral hearings. 🔵 Statistics. According to authorities' estimates, over 20,000 illegal migrants remain in the country. In 2024, approximately 250,000 foreigners lived permanently in Georgia, representing 6.6% of the population. 🔵 Context. Earlier, Georgia adopted a law obliging foreigners to undergo a special procedure to obtain a work permit. Strict deadlines for registering foreign entrepreneurs have also been established.