GEORGIA: INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE COMING FROM UKRAINE
Who is this information for?
- Ukrainian citizens who were residents of Ukraine before February 24, 2022
- Individuals who have a residence permit as a refugee or have subsidiary protection status in Ukraine
- Family members (i.e. spouse, cohabiting partner, children under 18 years or parent of a child under 18 years who meets the requirements) of any of the above.
Key information
- Reception information
- Unaccompanied children
- Employment
- Housing
- Education
- Childcare
- Healthcare
- Mental Health
- Other Services
GEORGIA: RECEPTION INFORMATION
What documents do I need to enter?
In order to enter Georgia, citizens of Ukraine must present a valid travel document (no visa required), such as a passport (currently, with or without biometric features) or any other form of identification (such as a national identification card or a birth certificate). Moreover, if you are travelling with underage children, it is recommended that you have their birth certificates as well.
Further information on border crossing is available here.
How can I enter if I don’t have a biometric passport?
Citizens of Ukraine can currently enter Georgia without a biometric passport.
How long can I stay?
Citizens of Ukraine may enter and stay in Georgia without a visa for one full year.
If you wish to remain in Georgia longer than one year, you can submit an application to obtain a Georgian residence permit 40 calendar days prior to the expiration of one full year since your entry into Georgia.
If you wish to apply for international protection (asylum) in Georgia, please see below: “How do I apply for asylum?”.
Are there any Covid-related requirements and if yes, what are they?
Vaccinated persons wishing to enter Georgia must provide a proof of full vaccination (i.e. one dose in case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and two doses in case of any other COVID-19 vaccine).
Unvaccinated persons over the age of 10 wishing to enter Georgia must provide a negative PCR test result, obtained not earlier than 72 hours prior to entering Georgia.
Further information is available here.
Do I need to register when I arrive? If yes, where?
Apart from being registered when crossing the Georgian border, you do not need to register upon arrival unless you wish to apply for international protection (please see below: “How do I apply for asylum?”).
If you decide to reside in Georgia and obtain a Georgian residence permit, you will be subject to mandatory registration with the State Services Development Agency of Georgia (the “SSDA”) based on your place of residence within one month from entry into Georgia or if already on the territory of Georgia, within one month from the receipt of your residence permit.
What will be my legal status and will I get any identification documents?
If you apply for international protection in Georgia, your legal status will be that of an “asylum-seeker”. As such, you will receive a temporary identification certificate.
What documents do I need to apply for a legal status?
If you wish to apply for international protection in Georgia, please see below: “How do I apply for asylum?”.
What is the procedure if I do not have an identity document for me or for my children?
Currently, it may be possible to enter Georgia without an identification document in exceptional cases. However, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
To discuss your individual circumstances, please consult in advance with the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia and/or the Patrol Police Department of Georgia at (+995 32) 241 42 42.
Can I become a citizen after receiving a legal status? How long do I need to stay to be eligible? What further eligibility criteria need to be met?
Under a regular procedure, you can apply for Georgian citizenship if you: (a) have legally resided in Georgia for the last 10 consecutive years up to the date of applying for Georgian citizenship; (b) have a command of the Georgian language at an established level; (c) know the history of Georgia and the basic principles of law at an established level; and (d) are employed and/or own real estate, or operate a business, or own interest/shares in a company, in Georgia (this last requirement does not apply to persons having a refugee status).
Further information is available here.
Can I move around the country?
Yes
Can I apply for asylum in the country?
Yes, you can apply for asylum both at the state border and on the territory of Georgia.
How do I apply for asylum?
Georgia protects the rights of asylum-seekers and internationally protected persons.
Forms of international protection in Georgia include:
- refugee status – granted to foreigners or stateless persons who are outside their country of origin, have a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, social belonging or political affiliation, and are unable to or, owing to such fear, are unwilling to return to their country of origin or to avail themselves of the protection of their country of origin;
- humanitarian status – granted to foreigners and stateless persons who do not meet the conditions for being granted the refugee status but where there is a real risk of grave harm upon return to the country of origin; and
- status of a person under temporary protection – granted to people entering in mass who require international protection and cannot return to the country of origin due to indiscriminate violence, aggression, international or internal armed conflict, or mass violation of human rights.
If you are in need of international protection, you can address a border guard (if applying for asylum at the state border) or any state agency in Georgia (if applying for asylum within Georgia).
Persons seeking international protection in Georgia must submit an asylum application (together with the relevant supporting documents, if available) with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (the “MIA”), followed by an interview process.
Further information on international protection in Georgia is available here. Further information on how to apply for asylum in Georgia is available here.
“Seeking Asylum in Georgia” information leaflet, with useful contact information, is available here.
Information on free legal aid for asylum-seekers is available here.
If I have family members in this country , can I apply for family reunification?
If yes, how and where can I apply for family reunification? Based on which family ties can I apply for family reunification?
You can apply for family reunification if your family member in Georgia has a status of (a) an asylum-seeker or an internationally protected person, or (b) a Georgian resident.
Family Reunification in Case of International Protection
For family reunification in case of international protection, a “family member” means an asylum-seeker’s or an internationally protected person’s spouse or partner in unregistered marriage, a minor child from registered or unregistered marriage, a minor child adopted in accordance with the laws of the country of origin, mother, father, an internationally protected person’s legal representative or supporter as set forth under the laws or practice of the country of origin, as well as a parent or unmarried adult child of an applicant or his/her spouse who are dependent on him/her, or a beneficiary of support.
To apply for family reunification in case of international protection, an internationally protected person must apply to the MIA in writing, together will any supporting evidence of kinship (if available).
Further information is available here.
Family Reunification Residence Permit
A family reunification residence permit is issued to the family member(s) of a foreigner who has a Georgian residence permit. You can apply for the family reunification residence permit 40 calendar days prior to the expiration of one full year since entry into Georgia, and this permit is initially issued for the term of six months to up to one year.
A “family member” includes a spouse or a child who is not of legal age, a minor under guardianship or custody and/or a fully dependent minor, a beneficiary of support or a person with disability, or a parent of a minor.
In order to apply for a family reunification residence permit, you must submit an application, together with all supporting documentation, to the SSDA.
Information on the documentary requirements, as well as on the timeline and fees, for obtaining the family reunification residence permit is available here.
Can the authorities withdraw my protection status?
Yes, the authorities may withdraw your status if you are prosecuted in Georgia for having committed a grave or a particularly grave crime after receiving international protection in Georgia, or if you pose a threat to public, or if there are sufficient grounds to presume that you may threaten the state security of Georgia, its territorial integrity or public order.
GEORGIA: UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
I am a minor travelling alone: where can I get help? (which authorities or organisations are responsible for identification, registration, and referral)
Migration Department operating within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia is responsible for identification, registration and referral of minors travelling alone.
Migration Department
Address: 0182, 16 Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
hot line: Irregular Migration Issues (+995 32) 241 96 07;
hot line: International Protection Issues (+995 32) 241 87 30
E-mail: migration@mia.gov.ge
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information ?
For more information please contact:
Migration Department
Address: 0182, 16 Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Hot line: Irregular Migration Issues (+995 32) 241 96 07
Hot line: International Protection Issues (+995 32) 241 87 30
E-mail: migration@mia.gov.ge
The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia
Address: 0119, 144 Ak. Tsereteli Ave., Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: (+995 32) 251 00 26
Hot line: 15 05
E-mail: info@moh.gov.ge
UNICEF Georgia
Address: 9 Eristavi street, IV floor, UN House, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone : (+995 32) 225 11 30
E-mail : tbilisi@unicef.org
What will likely happen after the authorities identify me?
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia will immediately inform guardianship and custody authorities of Georgia about a minor left without a legal representative. Based on the application of the said Ministry the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia will provide a guardian/caregiver/supporter to a minor who is left without a legal representative and furthermore ensure the accommodation of the minor considering his/her best interests.
GEORGIA: EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Do I need to apply for permission to be able to work? If yes, how do I do this?
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits? How and where do I apply?
Yes, you need to apply for permission to be able to work in Georgia. Citizens of Ukraine who wish to move to Georgia and take up employment in the country are required to either apply for (i) work visa or (ii) for a residence permit in Georgia. A work permit in Georgia or an immigration visa is the one that allows the holder to take up work as an employed or self-employed individual as well as an entrepreneur.
(i) Work visa - Depending on the nature of the work, professionals may apply for the following categories of D-type (being the category for the immigration visa) visa:
- D1 category visa is issued to persons arriving in Georgia to work; representatives and consultants of companies coming to Georgia to perform their official duties; foreigners coming to Georgia for contracted work, and persons coming Georgia for carrying out entrepreneurial activity;
- D2 category visa is issued for persons coming to Georgia to carry out scientific, sports, cultural or educational activity; freelancers; foreigners coming to Georgia as interns or volunteers; press workers coming to Georgia to carry out their professional activity;
- D3 category visa is issued to persons coming for study or do research at an authorized educational institution or to those coming to Georgia as part of an international educational programme;
- D4 category visa is issued to persons who come to Georgia for family reunification;
- D5 category visa is issued to individuals who have the right to immovable property, under certain condition
The visas described above are issued by the diplomatic missions and consular offices in the applicant’s country of origin and an electronic version of the visa may be issued by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(ii) Residence permit – A work residence permits are issued to person who is carrying out entrepreneurial or labour activity in Georgia.
In order to qualify and apply, the person shall:
- Have a document evidencing entrepreneurial or labor activity carried out in Georgia (an employment contract (or an employment certificate) with at least 6 months remaining);
- Have a certificate proving that his/her monthly income/remuneration of labour earned from his/her entrepreneurial or labour activity in Georgia is not less than the five-fold amount of the average consumer’s subsistence minimum defined in Georgia;
- the annual turnover of whose employing enterprise/an enterprise he/she has founded (except for an education or medical institution) per alien applying for a work residence permit shall not be less than GEL 50 000.
The application shall be filed at LEPL Public Service Development Agency in Georgia.
There are no unemployment benefits in Georgia. However, the Government of Georgia provides different types of social assistance for the purpose of effective and targeted aid to persons who are in need of special care and are lawful permanent residents of Georgia, deprived families and homeless persons. The types of social assistance include: living allowance, reintegration allowance, allowance for foster care, allowance for family care of a person of full legal age, non-monetary social assistance and social package. Whether or not the person qualifies to social assistance program depends on many factors, including socioeconomic index of the family determined by an office within the system of the Ministry of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia.
Are there any diploma and professional equivalence programmes? How and where do I apply?
There are no special diploma and professional equivalence programmes offered by the government of Georgia, however, there are many private companies who offer jobs specifically for Ukrainian citizens (e.g. Sweeft Digital offers jobs for Ukrainian Develolepers), these jobs can be found at „Dopomoga Ukraini“ - an information platform created by a group of volunteers to help Ukrainian citizens in Georgia.
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on employment?
The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
LEPL Public Service Development Agency in Georgia
The Ministry of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia
GEORGIA: HOUSING INFORMATION
Can I access public housing/housing provided by the State?
While the Government of Georgia is helping Ukrainian refugees in a variety of ways, there is no publicly available central policy on provision of public housing. This matter is mainly administered by respective municipal authorities of Georgia, that offered Ukrainian citizens to stay in hotels with state funding in certain cities of Georgia.
Tbilisi’s municipal government is accommodating Ukrainians in hotels around the city and is paying for their meals. Fees for the city’s public transportation, kindergartens and schools have been waived for all Ukrainians.
But there is a limit to how much the authorities can do in a low-income country like Georgia, where a massive number of citizens displaced by several of the country’s own conflicts still rely on government aid. To help fill the gap, Georgian individuals and businesses have taken it upon themselves to host and employ refugees from Ukraine. Please see information on private initiatives below.
How and where do I apply for public housing?
In order to apply for the program of Tbilisi’s municipal government, you should contact Tbilisi City Hall at (+995) 32 2 722 222 and provide the following information regarding each person: name, surname and passport number. Request can be submitted by persons who are already in Georgia. Tbilisi City Hall will consider the request and notify its decision with further details.
If I am staying with friends or family in the long term, what documents do I need to fill in to make it official? How can I acquire proof of residency?
Citizens of Ukraine may enter and stay in Georgia without a visa or residence permit for one full year. If you intend to stay in Georgia longer, you must choose within a year whether to apply for one of the forms of residence permit or to apply for asylum.
If you intend to obtain a Georgian residence permit, then you should submit an application to LEPL State Services Development Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia no later than 40 calendar days prior to the expiration of the initial one-year term. Alternatively, getting an extension of a stay in Georgia without a residence permit is possible by crossing the border of Georgia prior to expiration of the 1 (one) year period and re-entering the country. Countdown of the 1-year period will start again from the date of entrance to Georgia.
If you need asylum (international protection), you have the right to apply to any government agency or make a written request for asylum in Georgia at the state border, or in the International Protection Department of the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. Upon completion of the asylum procedure, you will be granted refugee status or humanitarian status, or you may be denied such status. Refugee or humanitarian status is not a barrier to travel abroad. Also, at any time, a person may withdraw his / her application for asylum or apply for suspension of refugee or humanitarian status. Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (phone: (+995) 598 08 00 97; e-mail: dipi@mia.gov.ge) is the main government body responsible for asylum procedures and registration of asylum seekers.
If I would like to rent a property privately, what documents do I need?
There are several websites/platforms that match free private housing with Ukrainian refugees (see below).
Outside of special offers to help Ukrainians, renting a property from private companies or individuals is subject to an agreement. Parties may determine the conditions of such agreement themselves. Generally, there is no legally prescribed list of documents that you need for renting the apartment or signing respective agreement. In practice, however, landlords may require copies of your ID / passport or proof of income/sufficient funds.
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on housing?
Government bodies:
- Government of Georgia, hotline: 144
- Tbilisi City Hall, phone: (+995) 32 272 22 22; https://www.tbilisi.gov.ge/?lang=en
- Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia, phone: (+995) 32 231 11 61, (+995) 32 231 14 54 https://georgia.mfa.gov.ua/en ; emb_ge@mfa.gov.ua
- National Tourism Administration, Phone: (+995) 32 243 69 99, E-mail: info@gnta.ge
Platforms providing information and assistance for Ukrainian citizens:
- http://www.dopomoga.ge/ is mapping wide range of governmental and non-governmental services, including free accommodation offers
- UNHCR Help pages: https://help.unhcr.org/georgia/
- ukrainetakeshelter.com have become instrumental in helping Ukrainians find a free accommodation in Georgia
- https://relocation.ge/help/en provides information on accommodation, medical care and humanitarian aid
- https://host4ukraine.com/
Georgian businesses hosting refugees from Ukraine (please note that availability of the apartments provided on the private initiative is limited and depends on capacities of the provider):
- Bank of Georgia together with its partners provides accommodation in hotels for individuals moving from Ukraine to Georgia for 1 month. Those, in need of hotel accommodation should contact Bank of Georgia Contact Center at: (+995)322 444-444;
- Alliance Group provides housing for Ukrainians in Georgia, address: 5 Sherif Khimshiashvili street, Batumi (+995) 32 250 00 00; (+995) 557 19 00 00;
- Georgian Manganese offers accommodation and food to Ukrainian citizens in Georgia in three cities where it operates - Chiatura, Zestaphoni and Vartsikhe. In addition, the company offers health insurance, access to education for children and transportation. Contact details: (+995) 577422477, Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/georgianmanganese.ge/photos/a.232831020624845/1083684088872863/
- Orbeliani Residence Tbilisi, offers free accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/33UXaaI phone: (+995) 32 200 07 00.
GEORGIA: EDUCATION INFORMATION
How do I enrol my children (or myself) into school?
Usually, children are enrolled directly with the respective schools. Information on schools in Georgia per respective regions can be found here. Ukrainian refugees are registered in schools through simplified procedure, which means that they are registered in the same grade they were in before the war started, without the need to apply for the recognition of foreign education. For further information please contact the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.
The Ministry of Education and Science
Address: 0102, 52 Dimitri Uznadze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Hot line: (+995 32) 2 200 220
E-mail: pr@mes.gov.ge
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I apply for help to enrol them in a special school?
There are no special schools in Georgia per se, rather schools that carry out special educational programs. Currently there are 7 such schools in Georgia, 4 in Tbilisi and others in Chiatura, Kutaisi and Akhaltsikhe. Please contact the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia for assistance with enrolment.
Are universities putting in place schemes to welcome Ukrainians or people fleeing Ukraine? If yes, can you give some examples?
Some universities in Georgia are putting in place schemes to welcome Ukrainians and people fleeing Ukraine.
For example, within the framework of bilateral cooperation with Ukrainian partner universities, the New Vision University offers (see the relevant link here):
- To Ukrainian students - the opportunity to continue their studies for free in all educational programs.
- Students without Ukrainian citizenship - study for one or more semesters, with further recognition by the Ukrainian University;
- Students from Ukrainian universities - the opportunity to participate in exchange programs, starting from the fall semester, in up to 30 partner universities in Central and Western Europe;
- 10 Ukrainian students will be offered a place in the summer school organized with the support of DAAD “TRADITION VS. MODERNITY IN THE SHARED NEIGHBORHOOD“.
Please find a list of universities that are putting in place schemes for Ukrainians (and/or other refugees) below:
New Vision University (In English)
New Vision University – Inspire To Care
Ilia State University (In English)
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on education?
For general education please contact the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. For higher education you can contact the universities directly.
GEORGIA: CHILDCARE INFORMATION
How do I enrol young children into a nursery?
Pre-school education is decentralized in Georgia, which means that each municipality is responsible for the creation and management of kindergarten system. Young children are enrolled into kindergarten from the age of 2 until they are eligible to go to school in the age of 6. Usually, children are enrolled directly with the respective kindergartens.
In Tbilisi Municipality registration is carried out online via the portal kids.org.ge, here you can find the list of kindergartens per region and their contact information. Young children are generally registered according to their place of residence. For further information, please, contact –
Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency
Address: 29-29/a Mitskevichi Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone : (+995 32) 237 82 43
E-mail : saagentoskancelaria@gmail.com
For enrollment information in other regions please contact the relevant municipality or the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia –
Department of the Development of Pre-school Education
Address: 0102, 52 Dimitri Uznadze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone : (+995 32) 231 89 40
E-mail : preschool@mes.gov.ge
Are there any social benefits I can claim such as child support?
Under the law of Georgia on International Protection certain social and economic guarantees are provided for persons who have obtained the following types of international protection - temporary protection, refugee, or humanitarian status, as well as for persons applying for international protection (an asylum seekers).
Persons in temporary protection have a right to be provided with food and shelter or appropriate monetary assistance in accordance with the procedure provided for by an order of the Minister.
Asylum seekers have a right to stay in a reception centre over the period of the review of an application for international protection, as well as a right to be provided with social, economic, and day-to-day living conditions in accordance with the legislation of Georgia.
After the refugee or humanitarian status is granted a person has the right to stay in a reception centre for a month, and in special cases, in other temporary places of accommodation provided by the Ministry and to receive a monthly allowance of 45 GEL.
For more information, please, contact:
Migration Department
Address: 0182, 16 Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: International Protection Issues (+995 32) 241 87 30
Hot line: (+995) 598 08 00 97
E-mail: migration@mia.gov.ge
General social benefits provided by the state depend on the respective social score of the person requesting the assistance. For example, families with the social score of 120,000 or lower receive child support in the amount of 100 GEL for individual child under the age of 16.
For more information, please, contact:
Social Service Agency
Address: 0119, 114 Akaki Tsereteli Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Hot line: 15 05
E-mail: info@ssa.gov.ge
Local municipalities also offer certain one-time benefits from time to time, so please contact the respective municipality as well.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and nursing women?
Unfortunately, there are no benefits for pregnant and nursing women in Georgia. The only benefit the state provides is the remuneration for the parental leave for up to 1,000 GEL.
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on needs specific to young children?
You can contact:
The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia
Address: 0119, 144 Ak. Tsereteli Ave., Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: (+995 32) 251 00 26
Hot line: 15 05
E-mail: info@moh.gov.ge
UNICEF Georgia
Address: 9 Eristavi street, IV floor, UN House, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone : (+995 32) 225 11 30
E-mail : tbilisi@unicef.org
CHILD AND ENVIRONMENT
Address: 0112, 4 Abastumani Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: (+995 32) 294 37 35
E-mail : bavshvidagaremo@yahoo.com
GEORGIA: HEALTHCARE INFORMATION
Can I benefit from public healthcare?
Citizens of Ukraine who arrived in Georgia between 1 February - 22 April 2022 are included in the specific public healthcare program envisaged under the Decree of the Government of Georgia N387 dated 2 March 2022 (“Specific Public Healthcare Program”). Please see our answers below on services available within the auspices of this program.
If you arrived after 22 April 2022, you may benefit from the State Universal Healthcare Program in Georgia only after obtaining respective status. Namely, persons with recognized stateless status, refugee or humanitarian status and asylum-seekers officially registered in Georgia may benefit from the State Universal Healthcare Programme to the same extent as Georgian citizens, except for exceptional cases provided for by the legislation of Georgia.
In addition to the State provided services, please follow the link to see the mapping of services offered by private companies: https://www.dopomoga.ge/?category=23
Do I need to register in order to obtain health coverage, and if yes how?
If you entered Georgia in period between 1 February - 22 April 2022, then you are not required to undergo registration. However, in order to benefit from the Specific Public Healthcare Program, you have to follow procedures as will be communicated to you by the respective clinics or healthcare providers.
If you arrived after 22 April 2022 and acquired relevant status (as stated above), you shall then apply for the Public Services Development Agency and get an identity card of an asylum seeker or a temporary residence card of an internationally protected person. Once you obtain this document you can benefit from the State Universal Healthcare Program in Georgia.
What does the public healthcare cover?
Citizens of Ukraine who arrived in Georgia between 1 February - 22 April 2022 are included in the Specific Public Healthcare Program covering the following:
- Immunization;
- Tuberculosis and HIV infections/AIDs, including specialized medication;
- Maternal and child health, including antenatal care and screening of newborns;
- Mental health;
- Diabetes including medication;
- Dialysis;
- Treatment of patients with rare diseases and subject to permanent substitution treatment;
- New coronavirus – COVID19 treatment, including testing, vaccination, stationary and at-home treatment;
- Referral – emergency services, including child delivery, and emergency immunization.
Citizens of Ukraine who arrived after 22 April 2022 and acquired respective status mentioned above may benefit from the State Universal Healthcare Programme. For the detailed information on this program, please refer to the following source: https://help.unhcr.org/georgia/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/06/UNHCR-Healthcare-Brochure_ENGL.pdf
Do I need extra private health insurance on top of the public health coverage?
Generally, if you already have public health insurance, then you don’t need an extra private health insurance. However, if you wish to, you can get private insurance, in addition to your public health coverage.
If you have arrived after 22 April 2022 and have not obtained the status allowing you to use public health programmes, then you may consider getting a private health insurance.
Please note that certain private insurance companies offer health insurance for free to all Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Please see details in our answer below, section “non-governmental bodies”.
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on access to healthcare?
Governmental bodies:
- Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, hotlines: 1522; 1505. http://www.moh.gov.ge/
- Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, phone: (+995) 598 08 00 97; e-mail: dipi@mia.gov.ge
Non-governmental bodies:
- List of free medical services is available at: https://www.dopomoga.ge/?category=23&page=0
- TBC offers Free Medical Insurance for all Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. If you are a citizen of Ukraine, follow the link and get insurance. Additional information: https://tbcinsurance.ge/en/blog/article/317-sakartveloshi-mkopi-ukrainis-mokalakeebi-tibisi-dazghvevisgan-janmrtelobis-dazghvevas-usaskidlod-mii
- ARDI Georgia offers free medical insurance to all Ukrainians in Georgia, who were on a short-term visit and were stuck in Georgia due to the events in Ukraine. https://www.facebook.com/ardiinsurance/posts/5008217422566670 email: office@ardi.ge, phone: (+995) 32 2101010
- Pineo Medical Center offers free emergency medical care to Ukrainian citizens. Phone: (+995) 32 2 24 44 55; https://www.facebook.com/pineomedicalecosystem
- Evex clinics all around Georgia offers free medical care to Ukrainian citizens. Phone: (+995) 32 2 55 05 05; evexclinics.ge
- David Tatishvili Medical Center supports Ukrainian people during this difficult time and offers the citizens of Ukraine in Georgia doctor consultations, ultrasound and X-ray examinations and laboratory tests (prescribed by a doctor) free of charge.
For more information contact: (+995) 32 2 800 818 or (+995) 591 882 144
Address: 55, Gabriel Salosi Ave. Tbilisi; www.facebook.com - Any citizen of Ukraine can receive a pharmacy humanitarian voucher for 100 GEL from pharmacy chains GPC and Pharmadepot. To receive a 100 GEL pharmacy voucher allowing to buy medicines, stop in at any branch of GPC or Pharmadepot with a Ukrainian passport.
GEORGIA: MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Can I access mental health support for free under public healthcare?
If you arrived in Georgia between 1 February - 22 April 2022, then you are included in the Specific Public Healthcare Program, which covers amongst others certain mental health services.
If you arrived in Georgia after 22 April 2022 and are officially registered as person with recognized stateless status, refugee or humanitarian status or asylum-seeker, then you can benefit from public Mental Health Program, which covers certain psychiatric health services.
The Resource Officer Service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia offers psychosocial counseling services to school-age children and adolescents from Ukraine. To get a consultation, you should contact the 24-hour hotline at 08 00 00 00 88.
Mental health support provided under public healthcare programs is mainly related to psychiatric, rather than psychological services. In addition to services provided by the State, please follow the link to see the mapping of services offered by individuals and private companies: https://www.dopomoga.ge/?category=24&page=1
Do I need to complete any additional administrative procedure to access mental health support?
If you entered Georgia in period between 1 February - 22 April 2022, then you are not required to undergo registration. However, in order to receive mental health services envisaged under Specific Public Healthcare Program, you have to follow procedures as will be communicated to you by the respective healthcare providers.
If you arrived after 22 April 2022 and acquired relevant status (as stated above), you shall then apply for the Public Services Development Agency and get an identity card of an asylum seeker or a temporary residence card of an internationally protected person. Once you obtain this document you can benefit from the Mental Health Program in Georgia.
What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on services for people suffering from mental health issues, especially trauma?
Governmental bodies:
- Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs, hotline - 1522 (Georgian, English and Russian language services), hotline – 1505
- Resource Officer Service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia hotline at 08 00 00 00 88
- Division of International Protection of the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, hotline: (+995) 598 080097
Non-governmental bodies:
- https://www.dopomoga.ge/?category=24&page=1
- Georgia Red Cross Society, https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaRedCross https://www.dopomoga.ge/Home/PostInternalPage/176
GEORGIA: OTHER SERVICES
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
According to Article 1 of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Social assistance to persons with disabilities includes provision of both financial (social package - pension, other types of financial support), and technical and other assistance (wheelchairs, prosthetic and orthopedic products and other supporting facilities).
Person seeking disability benefits shall firstly obtain Health Certificate №IV-100/a from any medical center in Georgia, the medical centers will direct the person to the relevant medical center that is authorised by the state to conduct the expertise of Health Certificate №IV-100/a and determine the disability statur of the person. Once the person receives disable status, he/she can apply to LEPL Social Service Agency in order to receive financial or other relevant assistance depending on the disability status of the person.
Are there any other social benefits and services available which are not covered above?
Several programs can be found at „Dopomoga Ukraini“ - an information platform created by a group of volunteers to help Ukrainian citizens in Georgia.
Do I need to pay tax after the social benefits?
No
Can I receive language classes or other integration measures?
There are no state programs that offer Ukrainians language classes or other special integration programs, however there number of companies, schools, universities and training centers that offer free educational and language courses specifically for Ukrainian citizens. These programs can be found at „Dopomoga Ukraini“ - an information platform created by a group of volunteers to help Ukrainian citizens in Georgia.
Can I receive free legal aid? How and where can I receive it?
There are the companies/organizations that offer free legal aid for Ukrainian citizens:
- UNHCR Georgia – free legal aid regarding applying for asylum in Georgia
- Rights Georgia - free legal aid for Ukrainians seeking asylum and wishing to apply for a residence permit in Georgia
- The Human Rights Center (HRC) – free legal aid
- Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) – free legal aid
- Children's Rights Protection Center – free legal aid to the Ukrainian children
- Safari – rehabilitation center for victims of domestic violence that offers free legal services for Ukrainian women and children in Georgia
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Georgia v provides Ukrainian citizens with its full business services free of charge
- Georgia Bar Association (GBA) – free legal services related to immigration or other legal issues
- Legal Aid Service – a government organization that provides free legal aid to vulnerable beneficiaries
- Policy and Management Consulting Group (PMCG) – international development consulting company and Grow Consulting offer free legal assistance for incorporation of company, preparing financial statements and business consulting.
- GGM – Georgian law firm offers free assistance for Ukrainian businesses that operate in Georgia
- SIGMA Group – free legal assistance for incorporation of company in Georgia
- LMG – Georgian law firm offers free legal advice
Where should I go if I think I am a victim of trafficking? (police/health authority/social services/ immigration department, etc)
You can refer to the police, or the State Fund for Protection and Support of Victims and Persons Affected by Human Trafficking, where a specially formed standing teams will assist you receive status of a victim based on a victim identification questionnaire. Please see special brochure for Ukrainian citizens with relevant contact information.
Which protections can I access as an identified or potential victim or human trafficking? (housing, benefits, counselling, non-punishment principle, etc.)
This Law of Georgia on Combating Human Trafficking defines legal and organisational grounds for preventing and combating human trafficking, powers and obligations of state bodies, officials and legal persons in taking measures against human trafficking, and the procedures for coordination of their activities, as well as the legal status of victims of human trafficking and guarantees of their social and legal protection in Georgia.
The law provides following mechanisms for support and rehabilitation of victims and persons affected by human trafficking:
- By consent of victims of human trafficking, the state shall provide them with accommodation at a secure lodging appropriate for decent living – at the service agency (asylum) for victims of human trafficking.
- The service agency (asylum) for victims of human trafficking shall provide victims and persons affected by human trafficking with free medical and psychological assistance, as well as with free legal consultation and assistance with their consent. The service agency (asylum) for victims of human trafficking shall develop and implement short- and long-term programmes for rehabilitation and full reintegration of victims and persons affected by human trafficking into their families and society.
- By consent of victims and persons affected by human trafficking, the Ministry for Education and Science of Georgia shall ensure their participation in vocational training and other educational programmes developed in cooperation with the Ministry for Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia.
- Mechanisms for protection of children's rights under the United Nations Convention of 29 November 1989 on the Rights of the Child and under the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, and the Guidelines adopted by the international organisations on protecting the rights of child victims of human trafficking shall apply to child victims and children affected by human trafficking.
There are several shelters and crisis centers that operate under the State Fund for Protection and Support of Victims and Persons Affected by Human Trafficking, and offer victims the following services:
- Psycho-social assistance / rehabilitation;
- Organizing / receiving medical services;
- Legal aid (including representation in judicial and law enforcement agencies);
- Provision of temporary accommodation (in a shelter or in the Tbilisi Crisis Center), food, hygiene and other basic necessities;
- Translator services if needed;
- Other services if needed.
Integration support/measures (language classes, recognition of qualifications, training etc.)
Ukrainian citizens may apply to the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (the “Center”) for the recognition of foreign education. The Center verifies the authenticity of an educational document, issued by a foreign institution and establishes the compatibility of the qualification, contained in this document or the learning outcomes, attained during the period of study with the qualifications, existing in Georgia. Detailed information on requirements, application procedures and service fees can be found here.
For free language classes and trainings offered for Ukrainian Citizens please visit „Dopomoga Ukraini“ - an information platform created by a group of volunteers to help Ukrainian citizens in Georgia.