A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall enjoy equality of treatment with citizens of Georgia in relation to rights, freedoms and obligations, unless otherwise provided for by the legislation of Georgia. Georgia shall protect the life, personal inviolability, rights and freedoms of persons having the status of stateless person in its territory. Persons having the status of stateless person in Georgia are guaranteed the following rights and are equipped with the following obligations:
Equality Before the Law – All persons having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall be equal before the law irrespective of origin, social and property status, race, nationality, gender, education, language, religion, political, or other views, activity, and other circumstances.
Obligation to Comply with the Legislation of Georgia – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall be obliged to comply with the Constitution of Georgia and other normative acts of Georgia, respect local culture, traditions and customs, and the rights and freedoms of citizens of Georgia.
Acquisition of Georgian Citizenship – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may acquire the citizenship of Georgia by naturalization under the Constitution of Georgia and the Organic Law of Georgia on Georgian Citizenship.
Right to Investment and Business Activity – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may carry out investment and business activity under the legislation of Georgia. In that case they shall have the same rights and duties as the citizens of Georgia, unless otherwise provided for by the legislation of Georgia.
Right to Work – Labour activities of the persons having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall be governed by the legislation of Georgia.
Right to Healthcare – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall be entitled to healthcare under the legislation of Georgia.
Right to Social Security – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall enjoy the same rights to assistance, pension, and other forms of social security as the citizens of Georgia.
Property and Non-property Rights – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may own, inherit, or bequeath any property, as well as enjoy non-property rights under the legislation of Georgia. These rights may be limited only by a legislative act of Georgia.
Right to Education – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia is entitled to education under the legislation of Georgia.
Right to Use Cultural Values – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall have the same right to use cultural values as the citizens of Georgia. They shall be guaranteed the right to use their mother tongue, observe their national culture and traditions, provided it is not prejudicial to the state or public security of Georgia. A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall be obliged to respect the historical and cultural monuments of Georgia and other cultural values.
Right to Participate in Political and Public Associations– A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may not establish or become members of and participate in the activities of any political associations in Georgia. A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall have the same right to establish public associations, become members of trade unions, scientific, cultural, sports associations, and other public organisations as the citizens of Georgia, unless this contradicts the bylaws of such organisations and the legislation of Georgia.
Marital and Family Relations – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may marry and divorce citizens of Georgia and other individuals. In marital and family relations they shall enjoy similar rights and have similar duties as citizens of Georgia.
Freedom of Speech, Opinion, Conscience, Religion, and Belief – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia, as well as citizens of Georgia, shall enjoy freedom of speech, opinion, conscience, religion, and belief. Aliens may not be persecuted on the grounds of speech, opinion, religion, or belief, or forced to express their opinions on the above.
Freedom of Movement and Residence – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall have the right to freedom of movement and residence. These rights may be limited only under the law for the purpose of ensuring state and/or public security necessary for the existence of a democratic society, health care, prevention of crime, execution of justice, or for the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of individuals living in Georgia.
Taxation– A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall be taxed in the same manner as citizens of Georgia, unless otherwise prescribed by the legislation of Georgia.
Guaranteeing Personal Rights of Aliens – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia, under the legislation of Georgia shall be guaranteed the inviolability of person and residence, privacy of personal and family life, respect of dignity and reputation, right to confidentiality of correspondence, and the right of free development of personality in economic, social, and cultural fields.
Protecting the Rights of Stateless Persons – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia regardless of their legal status, may apply to the courts and other state agencies to protect their personal, property, and other rights. In legal proceedings they shall have the same procedural rights as citizens of Georgia. Persons having the status of stateless person in Georgia may apply to a diplomatic mission or a consular office of the state of their citizenship or permanent residence or of the state that is authorised to protect their rights and legitimate interests. If so, requested by the stateless person, law enforcement authorities of Georgia shall be obliged to immediately notify the relevant diplomatic mission or consular office of the alien’s arrest, detention or imprisonment. This shall not apply to asylum seekers and persons with international protection.
Right to Participate in Elections and Referenda – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may not vote in elections or be elected to municipalities and to central government bodies, or participate in referenda.
Right to Assembly and Manifestation – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall have the right to assembly and manifestation under the legislation of Georgia.
Military Service Obligation – A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia shall not be obliged to serve in the defence forces of Georgia.
Granting Asylum– A person having the status of stateless person in Georgia may seek and obtain asylum.
For further information see:
Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons
