On July 22, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, stated that the abolition of the visa-free regime with the European Union would not harm the country and argued that such a regime primarily encourages migration rather than supporting economic growth. He emphasized that the practical difference made by visa liberalization is minimal.

"Here we are talking about only one thing whether you will stand in the visa queue or not. In the UK, our citizens stand in the visa queue this is a technical issue. Of course, this is inconvenient, but you will get a visa and go. In the USA the same. If you get it, you will go; if you don't, you won't go. This does not affect the economy in any way," he stated.

The Prime Minister argued that visa liberalization has a downside, as it accelerates migration flows from countries with weaker economies to more prosperous EU member states. He cited the examples of Lithuania and Latvia, stating, "After joining the EU and the abolition of the visa regime, the population of Lithuania decreased by 600 thousand, and Latvia—by 400 thousand. Why? Because there is still an economic difference between Georgia and the countries of Western Europe. And, naturally, the economy is much larger—that is where migration flows are directed. The visa-free regime contributes to this."

He also expressed that if visa liberalization had not been introduced, more Georgian citizens would have remained in the country, thereby increasing the labor force and supporting economic growth. "Therefore, talk about the visa-free regime contributing to the economy is a complete fabrication. Any expert will confirm this," Kobakhidze concluded.