Radio communication devices will allow the Customs Department of the Revenue Service to enhance operational capabilities and secure flow of information exchange between frontline officials on the border crossing points.

Tbilisi, 14 July 2022 – The Revenue Service of Georgia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU) hosted a donation ceremony for radio communication equipment and body-worn cameras in Tbilisi Customs Clearance Zone.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director General of the Revenue Service, Mr. Vladimer Khundadze, Head of Customs Department, Mr. Zurab Sitchinava and Head of International Relations Department, Mr. Samson Uridia. The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia was represented by the Team leader for Governance and Human Capital, Ms. Colombe de Mercey and IOM - by the Chief of Mission, Ms. Sanja Celebic Lukovac and Senior IBM Programme Manager, Mr. Massimo Ramanzin. 

About the Donated Equipment

The equipment officially handed over to the Revenue Service includes 80 Motorola DP1400 Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, 320 compatible earpieces and 60 X3H1 body-worn camera sets, with a total value of GEL 100 000 (EUR 33 000).

Radio communication devices will allow the Revenue Service to enhance operational capabilities and secure flow of information exchange between frontline officials on the border crossing points. At the same time, body-worn cameras will assist Customs officers in maintaining chain of evidence, countering corruption while providing a degree of protection to officials in case of disputes over inspected cargo and luggage. Overall, this activity will support the Revenue Service to ensure facilitated yet secure movement of people and goods across Georgia’s borders.

About the project

The action titled “Border and Migration Management Action for Georgia (BMMAG): Supporting the Government of Georgia in the Further Development of Border and Migration Management Capacities” is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since 1 January 2022 under the EU Resilience Facility programme. The overall objective of the project is to support the Government of Georgia in sustaining more effective integrated border management and migration governance in Georgia. The project follows up on comprehensive EU support in the last 10 years, dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s immigration and border management capabilities, to cement compliance with relevant EU-Georgia Agreements and the visa liberalisation benchmarks. Under this action, there are number of procurement and capacity building activities planned for the benefit of the Revenue Service and other Government authorities over the next 1.5 years.