Tourists or Settlers?

By George McSage, Senior Correspondent

Georgia has always been known for its exceptional hospitality towards tourists from all corners of the world. Positioned at the very center of Eurasia, we have served as a bridge for many nations, and we have a rich history of welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds. It’s ingrained in the nature of every Georgian to engage in friendly conversations and provide any necessary services or assistance to our guests.

Moreover, the tourism industry has consistently played a crucial role in stabilizing Georgia’s economy. Without it, our economy would have faced significant challenges. However, it’s worth mentioning that the present situation in Georgia is not heading in a positive direction. It appears that the concept of “tourism” is gradually evolving into an immigration process, particularly from our neighboring countries.

I’ve never been opposed to foreigners arriving in our country to experience its beauty and uniqueness, as long as they adhere to our laws and customs, and traditions. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Returning to the immigration issue, due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, an increasing number of Russian citizens are arriving in large numbers every day. These individuals are no longer mere tourists; their motives are more covert. They come not just to savor khinkali and Georgian wine but to stay for an extended period, and establish businesses that often rely on Russian rubles, causing significant damage to the stability of the Georgian currency.

Additionally, there is an unbearable situation in the capital regarding public transport, increased housing and land tariffs, and rising prices for goods. Some of these newcomers behave as if they possess all the rights, claiming that Russia’s actions in the ongoing war are justifiable and that the Soviet-era relationship with Georgia persists. While this may not seem unusual to someone unfamiliar with Georgian-Russian history, those who have lived here long enough or are expatriates realize the harm this is causing to our nation. Furthermore, the constant increase in Russian occupation poses a significant threat. There is now a discussed scenario in society that Russia may one day launch a SPECIAL OPERATION in our territories under the pretext of ensuring the SECURITY OF RUSSIAN CITIZENS LIVING IN GEORGIA. This presents a substantial risk, although it may not seem immediate, as such developments typically take time to unfold.

Regrettably, our government has not proposed any regulations or plans to address these issues, which could prove disastrous in the future. Given the current situation, many Georgians are considering emigrating to Western countries in search of better living conditions or to escape the encroaching dangers posed by a neighboring nation slowly infiltrating our homes.

Georgia, more than ever, finds itself at a precipice. The number of incoming tourists is increasing day by day, and the real problems of overpopulation are becoming a prominent part of everyday life. It’s impossible not to notice these changes, especially for native Georgians, who witness how everything is dramatically shifting, unfortunately not always for the better.