„One disadvantage of visa liberalization is that it encourages migration - in the absence of visa liberalization, many more of our citizens would have remained in the country, therefore, the labor force would have increased“ - PM

One disadvantage of visa liberalization is that it encourages migration - in the absence of visa liberalization, many more of our citizens would have remained in the country, therefore, the labor force would have increased and this would have directly reflected on an additional improvement in the rate of economic growth, - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated on Rustavi 2.

According to him, visa liberalization has absolutely no connection with economic growth and this is empty speculation.

"It’s only about standing in the queue for a visa. In the UK, our citizens stand in the queue for a visa, it's a technical issue. Of course, it's inconvenient, but you get a visa and go to the UK. Similarly, in the US, you stand in the queue for a visa, you get it or you don't, and accordingly, you go or you don't go to this country. This does not affect the economy. One disadvantage that visa liberalization has is that it encourages migration. This was evident in the example of Lithuania and Latvia, when Lithuania became a member of the EU and, accordingly, the visa regime was lifted, as well as Latvia. The population in Lithuania decreased by 600,000 and in Latvia by 400,000. Why?! Because there is a difference, including between Georgia and Western European countries, and naturally, where there is a bigger economy, migration processes will go there. Visa liberalization is an incentive for this. In the absence of visa liberalization, many more of our citizens would have remained in the country, therefore, the labor force would have increased and this would have directly reflected on an additional improvement in the rate of economic growth. Therefore, there are empty speculations, visa liberalization has nothing to do with the economy, however, it is important for us to maintain this benefit for our citizens. Of course, it is important that our citizens travel to various European countries without a visa. Therefore, if there is anything to be done by us, we will do everything, but within rational limits. The statements that economic growth and visa liberalization are connected are justspeculations. Any expert will confirm this,” the Prime Minister said.