Putin made it even easier for Georgian citizens to enter the Russian Federation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has simplified the entry and exit procedure for Georgian citizens by his decree. The decree was published on the official internet portal of legal information.

According to the document, the visa-free regime for entry into Russia established last year now applies to Georgian citizens who arrive in the country “temporarily for the purpose of working, or for a period of more than 90 days, including for the purpose of education.”

“Эхо Кавказа” notes that previously Georgian citizens arriving for this purpose had to obtain a visa.

The decree enters into force on October 10.

Putin canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens introduced in 2000 on May 15, 2023. At that time, the air communication between Russia and Georgia was restored. Russian citizens can visit Georgia without a visa. However, there are no diplomatic relations between the countries.

Parliamentary elections will be held in Georgia on October 26. The ruling “Georgian Dream” declares the importance of trade and economic relations with Russia, accusing its opponents of trying to drag the country into war. The opposition, for its part, accuses the authorities of being pro-Russian.

The EU countries and the USA are sharply criticizing the Georgian authorities after the adoption of the controversial “Transparency of Foreign Influence” bill and a number of other decisions of Tbilisi. The European Union suspended Georgia’s integration process, and the United States imposed sanctions against “those responsible for undermining democracy” in the country.