GYLA Warns against ‘Hasty’ Scrapping of State Ministry for Diaspora Issues

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) called on the government not to make “a hasty” decision on scrapping the Office of the State Minister for Diaspora Issues.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said in late October that the portfolio of the State Minister for Diaspora Issues will be folded under the Foreign Ministry in the new cabinet. Currently, the Georgian Cabinet has 16 full Ministries and three Offices of the State Minister. PM does not need to seek legislative approval for abolishing the State Ministry.

“Scrapping of the Office of the State Minister for Diaspora Issues may be perceived as a negative message to emigrants living outside Georgia and it may create an impression that Diaspora no more represents a state task of specific importance,” GYLA said in a statement on November 10 and called on the government to hold public consultations before making a final decision.

Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani confirmed the government’s plans to scrap the office, but added that this direction will remain a priority for the government.

“This topic will not disappear from the list of our government’s priorities and the Foreign Ministry will be in charge of this issue,” she said on November 11 after the government’s session.

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