The Public Service Development Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has become familiar with the Spanish model for determining the legal status of stateless individuals. At the meeting with senior officials of the Ministries of Justice and Interior of Spain, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Georgia – Mr. Erekle Gvinianidze and the Chairperson of the Agency- Ketevan Betlemidze have discussed various aspects of addressing the issue of stateless individuals. These included among other matters: – Regulation of issues related to stateless children; Procedures for determining the status of stateless persons; Measures for integrating stateless individuals into society, including informing them about available services and programs; Procedures of acquiring citizenship; Procedures for obtaining a residence permit.
The Public Service Development Agency in collaboration with international partners has been actively addressing the issue of stateless individuals. As a result of these efforts, the number of stateless individuals in Georgia remains low, totalling only a few dozen individuals.
The primary concern of the state is to ensure that every individual residing within its borders has a valid identity document. However, it is equally important that all individuals, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status, have access to essential public or private services such as healthcare and education. To this end, it is essential for each individual to establish their citizenship status and have an identity document in order to avail themselves of these essential services.
The Agency, in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Georgia, is conducting a Door-to-Door information campaign. This campaign aims to identify individuals without documents, including stateless persons and provide them with documentation. At the initiative of the Minister of Justice, an identity document will be issued free of charge to individuals identified as part of this campaign.
