Circular Migration Schemes in Georgia

The current socio-economic and policy context in Georgia combined with the European Union’s (EU) high demand for labour puts Georgia in a particularly advantageous position regarding developing circular (labour) migration schemes (CMS). Two pilot CMS implemented by Georgia in the past illustrate the potential for the implementation of further CMS, which remained unused by the state until today. This policy brief provides a comparative analysis of the two pilot CMS, explores lessons learned from these projects and defines certain conditions under which future CMS could succeed. The main priority for the state in this regard should be the establishment of appropriate institutional conditions for the implementation of CMS and the improvement of legal frameworks. Future CMS should target semi-skilled and underemployed workers in Georgia with the objective of improving their qualifications and ensuring their social and labour rights are prioritized.

Implementing CMS should be an inclusive and transparent process, in which all stakeholders, including the state, partner countries, migrants, private, and non-governmental sectors have realistic and well-informed expectations and share mutually agreed responsibilities and goals. Moreover, along with creating strong return and reintegration mechanisms, effective monitoring and evaluation practices need to be set for measuring progress and impact of CMS.