Who Wants to Emigrate from Georgia?

Abstract

Using CRRC-Georgia’s Caucasus Barometer 2015 survey results, this article examines the characteristics of people who want to leave Georgia for a certain period of time and examines whether and how they differ from those who do not want to leave the country. Specifically, it examines the (democratic) values of Georgians interested in emigration and their attitudes towards foreigners and foreign institutions. The analysis shows that compared to others, those who want to leave Georgia to live somewhere else for a certain period of time are more open to democratic values and more tolerant; generally have a more positive attitude of and are more open to foreigners; exhibit stronger support for Western institutions (NATO and the EU); and have more positive opinions on the visa liberalization process.