Kobakhidze Plans to Deport 20% of Illegal Migrants from Georgia

Kobakhidze highlighted that over 70% of foreigners in Georgia come from post-Soviet countries, the EU, the U.S., or Israel, with the remaining 30% originating from other nations.Regarding residence permits, 107,307 permits have been issued to citizens from 164 countries. Key countries include: Russia: 32,129 permits (29.9%), with roughly 30% being ethnic Georgians or former Georgian citizens. India: 23,930, mostly students. Azerbaijan: 6.3%, largely ethnic Azerbaijanis who left and later returned. Ukraine: 6,290 with residence permits; an additional 25,000 Ukrainians reside in Georgia under refugee status, totaling around 30,000. Armenia: over 5,000, mainly returnees with Armenian citizenship. Belarus: 3,738. Turkey: 3,645 (3.4%). Iran: 3,331 (3.1%). Sudan: 2%, mostly medical students. China: over 2,000 (1.9%), mainly labor for infrastructure projects. Jordan: over 2,000 (1.9%), mainly medical students. Pakistan: 1,618 (1.5%), mainly medical students. Egypt: 1,341 (1.2%), mostly medical students. USA: over 1,000 (1%). Kobakhidze noted that residence permit data provides a clear picture of the presence and origins of foreigners in Georgia, offering insight into migration patterns and the composition of the foreign population.

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The transaction was completed on February 16, 2026, and was finalized in London.The 5.06% stake represents 1,759,924 voting shares, held by entities controlled by the Wellington group and through nominee shareholders. The nominee shareholders include VIDACOS Nominees Limited, Goldman Sachs International, and ROY Nominees Limited.Wellington Management Company LLP is an investment management entity that manages the assets of certain funds and/or managed accounts. Wellington Management Company LLP is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Group Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Management Group LLP.

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Cholaria explained that the exit is part of a global decision made by Yandex Eats at the international level."My role as Head of Operations for Yandex Eats in Georgia has ended due to the company’s global decision to cease local operations.I am proud of what we built together. In a very short time, we structured the business into a results-oriented operation, with clear responsibilities, transparent processes, and high performance standards.In 2025, our market became the company’s strongest international operation in terms of results, reflecting focus, discipline, and consistent leadership.I want to thank everyone who was part of this journey. Building a strong team and achieving results in a competitive environment is never easy, and that is what makes it meaningful," Cholaria wrote.

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Tbilisi: Market Growth and Leading DistrictsIn the capital, 42,267 transactions were recorded last year, a 3% increase compared to 2024. The total market value grew 15%, reaching $3.3 billion. The primary driver of activity remains the primary market (new construction). In terms of supply and demand, three districts dominate: Didi Digomi, Saburtalo, and Samgori, accounting for 61% of the market share.Price Trends and Foreign BuyersPrice growth remained strong compared to 2024. Average prices were: New projects (secondary market): $1,484/sq.m Old projects: $1,244/sq.m Foreign buyers have become increasingly active, showing a strong preference for new construction. 86% of purchases by foreigners were in new projects, while their interest in the older housing stock remained stable.Batumi Sets New RecordsThe real estate market in the Adjara region showed exceptional growth. In Batumi, transactions rose 17% to 17,052 units, surpassing the 2022 peak. The market size increased 34%, exceeding $1 billion. Colliers Georgia highlights that Batumi’s appeal is driven by high-end new projects and international investment. Prices continue to rise, with the average in new projects reaching $1,497/sq.m.Geopolitical InfluenceThe share of Georgian buyers in Batumi’s secondary market for new projects has declined, falling to 51% in 2025. Colliers attributes this trend to regional geopolitical developments, particularly the increased demand from Russian and Ukrainian buyers, which has reduced the relative share of local buyers.

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According to the statistics of the National Bank of Georgia, the maximum share of transfers in January falls on the EU countries - 45.4%, with an annual growth of 17.5% (01/2025 - 45.09%, +7.5%Y.Y).Transfers from Spain increased by 41% year-on-year (Germany +24.6%Y.Y; Greece +18%Y.Y; Italy +15.2%Y.Y).Remittances from Russia are also increasing, with an annual growth of 32%, in contrast to last year's 63% decline. Russia will be eliminated in the donor ranking in December-January with increasing dynamics (12/2026 +39%Y.Y).

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According to G&T, the Z-spread of newly placed securities is currently 209.8 bps (basis point – %pX100).Investor sentiment and correspondingly high demand are maintained. With low debt, sufficient reserves and other macro parameters, the Georgian economy deserves confidence.5-year bonds were placed in January at 5.125%. The new issue refinanced the previous one. 

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Lion Finance Group (BGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 97.00/share (-2.95% w/w and +3.74% m/m). More than 213k shares traded in the range of GBP 95.30 - 100.80/share. Average daily traded volume was 54k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of BGEO shares traded was at 0.49% of its capitalization.TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN) closed the week at GBP 42.50/share (-0.35% w/w and +8.42% m/m). More than 347k shares changed hands in the range of GBP 42.05 - 43.85/share. Average daily traded volume was 74k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of TBCG shares traded was at 0.62% of its capitalization.Georgia Capital (CGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 33.15/share (+1.84% w/w and +5.57% m/m). More than 331k shares traded in the range of GBP 32.35 - 34.75/share. Average daily traded volume was 61k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of CGEO shares traded was at 0.95% of its capitalization. 

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“This is a big mistake to allow the aggressor to take something. It was a big mistake at the very beginning, starting with 2014. And even before that, during the attack and occupation of parts of Georgia. And even before that, when Chechnya was occupied, with total destruction and one million casualties – both killed and wounded,” wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the X Platform.According to the Ukrainian President, other whould not commit the same mistake, since Putin will not stop with “kisses or flowers,” but become stronger and attack them.“Many mistakes were made. That’s why now I don’t want to be the President who will repeat the mistakes made by my predecessors or other people. I’m not just speaking about Ukraine. I’m speaking about the leaders of different countries that allowed an aggressive country like Russia to come onto their territory.Because you can’t stop Putin with your kisses or flowers. I never did it and that’s why I don’t feel that it’s the right way. My advice to everybody – don’t do that with Putin.Otherwise, there will be a first step, then in five years, he will rebuild his military, increase the number of soldiers, his army will be well trained. Because he has lost a lot of well-trained people. He is losing 30–35 thousand people per month now.Can you imagine this in the 21st century? Can you imagine – he’s losing 35,000 each month? I’m not sure that he knows about it,” he said.

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