M. Tukhashvili, N. Chelidze. – Factors and socio-economic consequences of labor emigration of the population of Georgia. – Migration processes in post-soviet Georgia – Collection of works – Tbilisi: Lega – 2003 – p.p. 39-46 – In Georgian language.
The study found that labor emigration of the population of Georgia is determined by economic factors, sharp reduction of the demand of labor force and price on the internal market, development of unemployment and precipitous fall of the population living standards.
The main migratory streams are directed towards four countries: Russia (39 %), Greece (14 %), US (14 %) and Germany (13 %).
The impact of labor emigration on the demographic potential of Georgia is extremely negative. It takes place against the background of intensive depopulation, migratory decline of population and the fall of fertility to the critical level.
The essential characteristic mark of labor emigration of the population of Georgia is high level of education. 44 % of them have higher education. Their departure significantly lessens the labor potential of the country. At the same time, the employment of labor emigrants of Georgia abroad is extremely discriminatory from the professional and qualification point of view.
The average amount of monthly cash remittances sent by labor emigrants to Georgia amounted to 168.1 USD. This amount is mainly spent for satisfaction of the population's major requirements.
The study found that labor emigration is rather continual. Return emigration is of economic nature. Due to economic stagnation of Georgia, return potential of migrants is still weak.
The existing situation requires from the government to pursue effective migration policy. It is necessary to enhance the interstate cooperation on the issues of labor emigration that would increase the economic and social benefits of regular labor migration.