With EU support, IOM Enhances Georgia’s Border Risk Analysis Capabilities at a Regional Level to Promote Common Standards

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully conducted six training sessions throughout February and March 2024 as part of the EU-funded SAFE project aimed to enhance the border risk analysis capabilities of the regional units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA).

The trainings, held in Batumi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi, focused on raising competencies of tactical and operational level staff. Participants were trained in effectively collecting, processing, and analyzing border-related information, and producing analytical products. The methodology used during the training was recently approved by the MIA and is based on the EU Common Integrated Risk Analysis Model (CIRAM).

The initiative establishes common standards for border risk analysis within MIA, covering the Border Police, Patrol Police Department, Migration Department, and Information-Analytical Department. By promoting intra-agency coordination and automated information sharing mechanisms, this effort serves as a crucial step in boosting border security and curbing irregular migration and transnational crime.

Notably, the capacity-building sessions were delivered in collaboration with national trainers who had previously undergone the comprehensive Training for Trainers (ToT) course earlier this year, implemented under IOM’s another EU-funded project, titled BMMAG.

The project “Support to Integrated Border Management in Georgia,” with a budget of 8.2 million Euros, is part of the broader “EU4 Security, Accountability, and Fight against Crime in Georgia (SAFE)” Programme. Launched in December 2019, the project aims to enhance the legal, institutional, and operational capabilities of Georgian border authorities, contributing to the overall security landscape in Georgia and the region.