In this paper we use the secondary data analyses of existing statistical data-sources and findings of
studies on migration for Georgia. We also use expert interviews conducted by ourselves and
interviews with persons who have seen the migration of family members in order to investigate the
social impact of labour migration on the country of origin in three different dimensions: social
institutions, vulnerable social categories in society and different geographical locations. Special
attention was paid, during field activities, to the new challenges induced by labour migration for
traditionally vulnerable social categories including women, children and the elderly. We looked at the
new strategies of these groups in avoiding marginalization from the country’s developing socioeconomic
realities.
We find that the political and social outcomes of migration in Georgia are quite similar to the
standard results of temporary labour migration for countries of origin presented in the migration
literature focused across CIS countries. However, some other findings came up in our study including
regional/geographical inequality, problems of the local labour force supply and deficiencies in
migration and employment policy in Georgia.
Labour migrant flows from Georgia are unlikely to cease in the near future despite the country’s
dynamic economic development, as the Georgian labour market is characterized by a sharp imbalance
between labour supply and demand. And the remarkable numbers of returned migrants to Georgia
aggravate this situation given the deficit of paid employment in this country. However, the Georgian
government, being unable to provide most job-seekers in Georgia with proper employment and being
unable too to secure the social support for unemployed, has not made sufficient progress in facilitating
circular labour migration in Georgia. Nor has it secured the rights of Georgian workers with a proper
national migration policy.