Passport reader devices with a total value of 22,000 EUR (GEL 90,000) will further develop 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 20 pieces of sophisticated equipment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. These devices will be deployed in the facilities of the MIA Academy and will contribute to training of border control officers.

“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 with a total budget of EUR 6 million is part of a wider EU funded programme - EU4 Security, Accountability and Fight against Crime in Georgia (SAFE). Over the past years, the EU support to Georgia in the areas of migration and border management has been significant and this donation will be also followed by comprehensive procurement and training activities that will ensure strengthening of Georgia’s border protection capacities.