Advanced document inspection devices with a total value of 70,000 EUR (GEL 250,000) will further develop the abilities of the Georgian Government to combat irregular migration and enhance border security.

At the event, hosted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the EU together with project implementer, International Organization for Migration (IOM), have donated pieces of sophisticated equipment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. These devices will be deployed in the Kutaisi laboratory of the MIA Forensic-Criminalistic Department and will contribute to the examination of questioned travel documents discovered in the Kutaisi International Airport.

“Improving border security is an area of close cooperation between the EU and Georgia and the EU has consistently supported it over the last years. The items handed over today will further enable Georgian authorities to fight irregular migration and crime even more effectively. This is part of the EU's wider support to ensure modern and efficient management of borders in Georgia and the safety and security of Georgians”, said Catalin Gherman, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Georgia.

This action is part of a significant EU-funded programme, implemented by IOM, in the areas of migration and border management. This support will be followed by other comprehensive procurement and training activities that will ensure the strengthening of Georgia’s border protection capacities in compliance with the benchmarks of the EU visa-free travel suspension mechanism.