During a plenary session of the Georgian Parliament, Georgian Dream MP David Matikashvili addressed concerns about remittances sent by emigrants in 2024. The discussion arose during the presentation of amendments to the Electoral Code, following a question from Vika Pilpani, MP of the “Gakharia for Georgia” party, about the role of remittances in the national economy.
Pilpani noted that funds transferred by emigrants in 2024 amounted to 10 billion GEL, roughly 40% of Georgia’s budget, and argued that emigrants’ constitutional right to vote should be facilitated, highlighting the economic dependence of many families on these transfers. She emphasized that many emigrants have been unable to visit their families due to financial and social difficulties.
In response, Matikashvili clarified the figures and the destination of the funds. He stated that in 2024, USD 3.3 billion was transferred by emigrants, and importantly, these remittances were not sent to the state budget but directly to the families of citizens living abroad. He described the remittances as a “significant contribution” to the well-being of the recipients and their households.
Matikashvili added that understanding the personal effort behind these transfers is essential and justified the government’s decision to limit emigrant participation in elections, framing it within the context of remittances being private family income rather than state revenue.
