The Georgian Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs has signed an agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to regulate and manage the labour migration of Georgians, Agenda reports.
Alongside the deal, the ministry is holding negotiations with three European countries to legalize Georgian workers abroad and help them return home with higher prospects for employment.
The ministry press office says that such deals aim to decrease illegal migration from Georgia, which is a threat to the Georgia-EU visa free deal signed in March of last year.
"Through the partnership between Georgia and European nations illegal labor migration from Georgia will be legalized, which will reduce risks related to illegal employment abroad,” the Health and Labour Ministry stated.
The ministry added that the agreements will provide better protection of labour rights for Georgians abroad and enhance economic and social ties between Georgia and the countries where Georgian citizens will be legally employed.
"The agreements will decrease demographic and socio-psychological problems caused by long-term migration. When returned home, the people will have higher chances to use their knowledge and experience and benefit the local economy,” the ministry stated.