Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of the Business Association of Georgia, emphasized that bringing foreign workers under formal regulations will create a legal basis for employment, which is also crucial for companies.
From March 1, new rules make hiring foreign citizens in Georgia more regulated. Employers must obtain a “work activity permit” for foreign employees before signing labor or service contracts. Working without this permit exposes both the employee and the employer to fines.
Vepkhvadze noted the importance of balancing state oversight with business needs. While the government seeks a regulated system, businesses aim to attract qualified or even lower-paid workers. Effective coordination, he said, is key to ensuring both objectives are met.
Currently, around 150,000 foreign nationals are registered in Georgia, though the actual number may be higher. Vepkhvadze stressed that formalizing work permits not only provides legal protection for companies but also helps track and manage foreign labor more effectively.
