Month: April 2026

Georgia’s State Security Service says its anti-corruption agency has uncovered a group that embezzled funds from free canteen programmes. According to investigators, the group fraudulently misappropriated millions of lari belonging to the state.

Five people have been detained in connection with the case — a company director, managers of four subcontractor firms and one employee.

Authorities say that between 2023 and 2026, 12 contracts were signed between LLC “Aladashvili & Co” and administrations in four Tbilisi districts to provide free meals for socially vulnerable citizens. The total value of the contracts exceeded 26.5 million lari ($9.8m).

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The investigation revealed that the penitentiary service had long been aware of violations but kept the contract with the supplier company

Investigators say the company director transferred management of four of the 22 canteens to subcontractors, and that this is where systemic violations began. Between 2024 and 2026, thousands of beneficiaries reportedly received substandard services on a daily basis, indicating that contractual obligations were not fully met.

According to the State Security Service, the companies allegedly falsified delivery and acceptance records, creating fake documentation that allowed them to незаконно appropriate part of the budget funds. Investigators say that out of around 19 million lari ($7m) received, more than 3.5 million lari ($1.3m) was fraudulently misappropriated.

A criminal case has been opened on charges of fraud and aiding fraud. If found guilty, those detained face between six and nine years in prison.

Embezzlement of funds in Georgia

@Nowhere_near_O @email_albert @BrianMcDonaldIE Armenian are the most pro russia from all the southcaucasus.

The society in Armenia is having a very different opinion on Russia than they do have in Ukraine

— C-l.hl 🏰🍐 (@ClBlockchain) Apr 2, 2026

Switzerland’s annual inflation rate stood at 0.3% in March, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reported on Thursday, while consumer prices rose 0.2% compared with the previous month, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

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Switzerland has introduced visa restrictions for holders of Georgian diplomatic, official and service passports.

According to the Swiss Federal Council, from 3 April 2026 Georgian citizens with these types of passports will need a visa to enter Switzerland. The decision was taken at a meeting on 1 April and will apply temporarily for one year.

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How did this happen — and, above all, can it still be stopped?

It is important to note that the restriction does not apply to ordinary citizens, who retain visa-free travel to the Schengen area with biometric passports.

“The European Union has recently strengthened its visa suspension mechanism for third countries, allowing temporary visa requirements to be introduced on new grounds. These include a deterioration in external relations due to violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU has decided to apply these provisions in relation to Georgia.

Following legislative changes adopted by Georgia last year, the EU suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and public officials for 12 months. The EU decision constitutes a further development of Schengen legislation, which Switzerland is obliged to adopt. This step entails amendments to the ordinance on entry and the issuance of visas,” the Federal Council said.

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As part of the Schengen area, Switzerland must align its legislation with EU decisions. As a result, the country has amended its entry and visa rules, which now affect Georgia’s diplomatic corps.

The European Commission has suspended visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service and official passports. The decision took effect on 6 March 2026 and will initially remain in force for one year.

This marks the first time the EU has applied its new, stricter visa suspension mechanism. Brussels links the move to what it describes as “deliberate and ongoing violations” by the Georgian authorities of commitments in the areas of democracy and fundamental rights.

Entry rules for Georgian citizens travelling to Switzerland

From 2 April 2026, US visa rules for Georgian citizens have changed significantly. The US State Department has added Georgia to a list of 50 countries covered by a “visa bond pilot programme”. This effectively ends the practice of issuing long-term multiple-entry visas to Georgian nationals.

Georgia becomes only European country whose citizens must post $15,000 bond to obtain U.S. visa

The new rules will come into force on 2 April 2026 and will apply to tourist visas.

Under the new rules, Georgian citizens will no longer be able to obtain 10-year tourist and business visas (B1/B2). Instead, the US will issue single-entry visas valid for three months, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days under stricter conditions that significantly limit travel flexibility.

Another key change introduces a financial guarantee requirement. During the interview, a US consular officer may set a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, which the applicant must pay to ensure compliance with visa conditions.

Washington says the move is based on practical considerations, with the programme aimed at ensuring visitors return on time. The decision draws on a 2024 US Department of Homeland Security report, which found an overstay rate of 7.43% among Georgian citizens — a figure that appears to have influenced the policy shift.

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Following instructions from a consular officer, the applicant must:

• Complete DHS Form I-352;
• Pay the bond exclusively via the US Treasury platform (Pay.gov);
• Note that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval.

Funds paid without a consular officer’s instruction are non-refundable.

The bond will be returned if:

• The applicant leaves the US before the authorised period expires;
• The applicant does not travel to the US before the visa expires;
• The applicant is denied entry at the border.

The refund process is usually automatic. However, travellers can initiate it themselves within 30 days after leaving the US. They must provide proof such as boarding passes, passport stamps or other documents confirming timely departure.

The US will retain the bond if the person:

• Leaves the US after the authorised period;
• Remains in the US indefinitely;
• Applies to change status, including seeking asylum.

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Foreign workers and their employers will have to overcome several bureaucratic hurdles

The State Department launched the pilot programme on 5 August 2025, and on 18 March added 11 more countries to the list, including Mongolia, Tunisia and Nicaragua. Previously, the programme covered 38 countries.

The restrictions will remain in place until 5 August 2026. During this period, no exemptions from the bond requirement will apply.

US visa rules for Georgian citizens

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The Australian government has unveiled long-awaited reforms to gambling advertising, following years of public pressure, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.