Georgian truck drivers facing deportation from Russia are appealing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance, saying that new regulations imposed by Moscow have created serious financial and social difficulties. The drivers, who rallied outside the ministry on October 13, said that Russia has reduced the visa-free stay period for Georgian citizens from 180 to 90 days, leading to fines and deportations for those exceeding the new limit.
According to the drivers, long queues at the Zemo Larsi border checkpoint, lasting up to two weeks, combined with lengthy customs and cargo procedures in Russia, make it impossible to complete regular transport operations within the 90-day timeframe. Many Georgian drivers have already exceeded their permitted stay after just four or five trips, creating uncertainty and forcing some to halt their work entirely.
The truckers warn that the disruption threatens not only their livelihoods but also Georgia’s export logistics, as many companies are involved in transporting goods such as wine, wheat, and fruit to Russia and other countries. They fear that the loss of these routes could allow Russian carriers to replace Georgian firms, further harming the domestic transport industry.
Drivers are calling on the Georgian government to intervene and launch talks with Moscow, citing examples of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where similar disputes with Russia were resolved through government-level negotiations. They stress that without swift action, Georgian drivers could face worsening social and economic conditions, potentially leading to a mass outflow of workers abroad.
