Georgia’s construction and infrastructure sector faces a severe labor shortage, even as the number of social assistance recipients reaches record levels. Companies are increasingly forced to hire foreign workers, says Paata Trapaidze, CEO of Caucasus Road Project.
Trapaidze highlights the paradox: “Over 700,000 people receive social benefits, yet there is a shortage of workers in the market. Why are we hiring foreigners? Don’t we prefer to pay Georgians? This is a tragedy. Something is being done wrong. In Western countries, social assistance comes with conditions: people are retrained for work. Here, it seems unchecked.”
He cites low qualifications, lack of motivation, and cultural practices, such as frequent family events or holidays that disrupt work, as key reasons companies turn to foreign labor. Despite state restrictions on hiring foreign workers, the business sector seeks practical solutions.
Trapaidze stresses the need for a comprehensive approach: “Business must adapt to the market, or it exits. We maintain constant dialogue with the Ministry and aim to implement changes acceptable to both sides, ensuring the sector survives while addressing these structural issues.”
