The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released the findings of the local Migration Governance Indicators (MGIs) assessment for the municipality of Tbilisi, Georgia. This comprehensive document provides an overview of the municipality’s well-structured migration governance areas and highlights potential avenues for further development. 

The assessment underscores the increasing significance of cities and municipalities in migration governance, a trend driven by rapid urbanization and the role of cities as hubs for various migration and displacement forms. 

“The Migration Governance Indicators assessment empowers Tbilisi’s local authorities to critically evaluate and enhance migration policies and practices. IOM is committed to foster constructive dialogue with national government to address complex challenges of migration governance that would benefit not only the 33.2 percent of Georgia’s population residing in Tbilisi but also set a precedent for migration governance nationwide,” – notes Sanja Celebic Lukovac, Chief of Mission at IOM Georgia.

The findings reveal that migrants benefit from access to health and education services funded by the government in Tbilisi, adhering to national-level provisions. The municipality actively involves the Georgian diaspora in local-level development. Information on state and non-state socioeconomic programs and services is provided to returnees, with facilitated access through Municipal Service Hubs, established by IOM in close partnership with local municipality. 

The municipal Gender Strategy for 2023–2025, alongside the Learn and Work programme initiated in 2018, underscores Tbilisi’s commitment to gender equality and the integration of immigrant workers into the labor force. Furthermore, the municipality collaborates with IOM and other partners to facilitate the arrival and temporary stay of refugees, as well as the reintegration of migrants.

Future enhancements should focus on developing strategies that support the educational inclusion or integration of migrants, along with measures that facilitate their access to government-funded health services. There is a recognized need for specific orientation programs tailored for newly arrived migrants and the implementation of local procedures to safeguard migrant children. Assessing local labor market demands for immigrants and the impact of emigration at both local and national levels is crucial for further development. 

The full publication is available here.