BUR DUBAI, UAE - eTradeWire -- The recent trends in Georgia's immigration policies have raised serious concerns among GCC residents, particularly those of South Asian origin. The country's continued denial of entry to tourists from the Middle East, often without valid reasons, has caused significant inconvenience, financial losses, and emotional distress to countless families. This issue has reached a point where it is no longer just a matter of individual frustration but a broader diplomatic and economic concern that demands immediate attention.

The Problem: Unjust Denials and Inconsistent Policies

Over the past few years, Georgia has increasingly denied entry to tourists from GCC countries, particularly those holding passports from Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. The reasons provided by Georgian immigration authorities are frequently vague, inconsistent, and nonsensical, leaving both the affected individuals and the airlines baffled.

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One such incident occurred on 20th February 2025, when I traveled with my wife and our infant baby girl from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi on a Wizz Air flight. Our family, along with twenty-five other GCC residents, was denied entry upon arrival in Georgia. The group included individuals holding Pakistani, Indian, and Sri Lankan passports, all of whom were legal residents of GCC countries. The Georgian immigration officers provided no clear reason for their decision, leaving us in a state of shock and confusion.

Upon our return to Abu Dhabi, the investigation officer who received us confirmed that the reason given by Georgian immigration made no sense to the airline or the authorities at Abu Dhabi Airport.

A Call for Action: GCC Governments Must Step In

The governments of GCC countries, particularly the UAE, must take decisive action to address this issue. GCC authorities should engage in diplomatic discussions with their Georgian counterparts to clarify the terms of entry and ensure that such incidents do not recur. If Georgia is unwilling to cooperate, then GCC countries should consider severing or reducing their tourism and economic ties with Georgia.

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Tourism is a two-way street, and countries that fail to respect their visitors do not deserve their patronage. GCC residents contribute significantly to Georgia's tourism sector, and it is only fair that they are treated with dignity and respect. Georgia's unjust and inconsistent immigration policies are causing more harm than good, not only to GCC tourists but also to its own tourism industry. If Georgia does not want or care about GCC tourists, then it is time for GCC countries to invest their tourism dollars elsewhere. Georgia's loss will undoubtedly be another country's gain.

The experience has been shared by Waqar Ul Hassan, a Tech Entrepreneur and a Travel Enthusiast. Full story is here.