Georgian Diaspora and Current Diaspora Policy in Georgia

Abstract

           Apart from historical diasporas, over million Georgian citizens reside abroad these days. Majority of them who went abroad in search of jobs should be considered migrants. Diaspora has great importance both for their families and Georgian economy. Therefore, Georgia needs to have a   well-considered diaspora policy in place.      Studying the interest spheres of diaspora members, their problems, the ways of strengthening their links with Georgia and developing the relevant policy is the biggest challenge  for Georgian political parties, especially for the ruling party, which is responsible for carrying out the adequate diaspora policy. In this article we will try to look at the present day diaspora policy for which purpose we will discuss “2016-2020 Migration Strategy of Georgia”, the document developed   by the ruling party (“Georgian Dream”)    and carry out content analysis of 2016  election platform on diaspora of the above party and make comparisons.