Leaving and Being Left Behind

Labor Migration in Georgia

Author(s): Teona Mataradze, Florian Mühlfried
Editor(s): Lili Di Puppo, Iris Kempe, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic
Series: Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD)
Issue: 4
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Jefferson Institute, Washington D.C.; Heinrich Böll Foundation, Tbilisi; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

A survey of labor migration in two villages shows contrasting trends as some migrants seek long-term employment, while others are primarily interested in temporary jobs. However, recent political and economic developments have greatly influenced these patterns. While fewer men now seek construction work in the Russian Federation, women still find employment as maids and nannies in Italy and Greece. The result is changing gender roles in the village. Remittances are declining, having a negative impact on Georgia's economy overall.

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