On June 30, 2023, at Tbilisi International Airport, Ms. Sanja Celebic Lukovac, IOM Chief of Mission joined Director of Patrol Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Mr. Vazha Siradze on a formal donation ceremony of the radio communication equipment and document examination devices to the Patrol Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA). 

The donated advanced second-line document examination equipment will be distributed and installed at three key border crossing points (BCPs) in Georgia including Sarpi BCP, Tbilisi and Kutaisi International Airports. Sophisticated appliances will enable an advanced document check of the travellers, that have been transferred to the second line interview.

“We are very happy that we can respond to the needs and provide the equipment which are in line with the international standards, and which are also helping the Ministry of Internal Affairs and also Patrol Police carrying out the work relevant for the safety and security of Georgia and of its borders,” said Ms. Sanja Celebic Lukovac, IOM Chief of Mission.

Moreover, donated 150 sets of radio communication devices will enhance coordination capacities of frontline officials serving at BCPs, while implementing border control activities.

The action titled “Support to Integrated Border Management in Georgia” is implemented by IOM Georgia, in the framework of the EU4 Security, Accountability and Fight against Crime in Georgia (SAFE) programme and aims to contribute to the consolidation of key elements of Integrated Border Management (IBM) in Georgia. The MIA Patrol Police Department is one of the key beneficiaries of the project, both in terms of targeted capacity building activities, as well as procurement interventions, aiming to strengthen capacities for border checks at BCPs.  

This project, with a total budget of EUR 8,2 million, continues comprehensive EU support in the last 10 years, dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s migration and border management capabilities, to cement compliance with relevant EU-Georgia Agreements and the visa liberalisation benchmarks.