The Ministry of Health has released inof formation on the restriction of the right to work of foreigners.
As explained by the ministry, the right to work is issued for a specific position and a specific employer for a period of 1 year. In the event that a foreign citizen evades the norms specified in the Law on Labor Migration, this will result in fines for both the employee and the employer, including financial penalties for self-employed foreigners.
“From March 1, amendments to the Law on Labor Migration will come into force. According to the amendments, employment/self-employment of foreigners in Georgia will only take place in compliance with relevant regulations. The Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Protection discussed the issue with his deputies and members of parliament. The parties focused on the importance of the amendment and discussed ways to effectively implement it.
According to the amendment, a foreign citizen will need to obtain a “right to work” in order to be legally employed, including remotely.
“Right to work” permits for foreigners will be issued by the “State Agency for Employment Promotion”. The process of issuing a right to work is fully electronic and the registration portal will be available from March 1. Obtaining a permit is free of charge.
The right to work will be issued for a specific position and a specific employer for a period of 1 year. The law was prepared taking into account the recommendations of the European Union.
As for a self-employed foreigner, a work permit will be issued with an indication of a specific field, sector and entrepreneurial activity.
It is worth noting that the amendments provide for grace periods - until January 1, 2027, for those who are already registered in the electronic labor migration system and are legally employed. The second grace period will last until May 1, 2026 and will apply to self-employed foreigners who are already engaged in labor/entrepreneurial activities in Georgia.
If a foreign citizen evades the norms set forth in the Law on Labor Migration, this will result in fines for both the employee and the employer, including financial penalties for the self-employed foreigner,” reads the information.
