The Foreign Relations Committee discussed the draft law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, which was presented by the Chair of the EU Integration Committee, Levan Makhashvili.

According to the draft, a new C5 category ordinary visa is being introduced. This category of multiple-entry short-term visa will be issued with a validity period of 5 years and a permitted stay of up to 1 year in Georgia.

As the reporter explained, this visa category will be granted to individuals arriving in Georgia from safe countries for tourism purposes, who are also permitted to carry out activities exclusively for the benefit of a non-resident person, provided that such activities are related to operations conducted by that non-resident outside the territory of Georgia. The visa will also be issued to the applicant’s spouse and minor children.

“The C5 category visa is a targeted and modern economic instrument, the introduction of which will facilitate the attraction of low-risk, high-income visitors from safe countries. This visa category also creates additional opportunities for attracting investment. Furthermore, the proposed initiative plays an important role in improving the country’s international image”, - stated Levan Makhashvili.

The proposed amendment further stipulates that a decision to refuse the issuance of a Georgian visa shall not be subject to appeal.

As a result of the draft law, corresponding changes will also be made to the Laws on Consular Fees and on State Fees, according to which the fee and duty for the consideration of the issuance of a C5 category visa shall be set in the amount of not less than USD 20 and not more than USD 500.