From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:AbateKE@state.gov]
Sent: 15 March, 2021 15:36
To: Tamar Gabunia <tgabunia@moh.gov.ge>
Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <mnikoleishvili@moh.gov.ge>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <AskConsulTbilisi@state.gov>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <a.khvtisiashvili@mfa.gov.ge>; Natia Khmaladze <natkhmaladze@moh.gov.ge>
Subject: Re: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

Thanks for this clarification request and providing additional background information. Permanent residents will be vaccinated regardless of their employment status, in addition all employees of the diplomatic missions and their family members will be vaccinated regardless their residency status. Is this provision would leave some US citizens living or working in Georgia behind, please kindly let us know. Our legal unit will follow up on this with you to make sure we have full coverage.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia, MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

Thank you Tamar, for your continued patience with my many questions.  I have another…

You say that *permanent* residents will be eligible.  (I understand employees of diplomatic missions are also covered, but that is not the focus of my question today.)

As you may know, most Americans do not pursue permanent (or even temporary) residency here, since the immigration regime allows them to stay for up to a year without a visa or residency status, and then exit the country for a day and re-enter, thus resetting their 1-year clock.  Also, temporary residency, which was until recently good for up to 6 years, will now be good for up to 12 years. 

https://1tv.ge/en/news/temporary-residence-permit-term-to-increase/

So, I just want to make sure I am understanding the policy correctly that only *permanent* residents will be eligible?  This means the vast majority of private U.S. citizens in Georgia will not qualify.  Is there any plan to expand the NVP to non-permanent residents?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

Dear Kathryn

Many thanks for your questions. Please find responses below.

Best

Tamar

Thank you.  I have a few follow up questions:

1.      When you refer to the amendment, you mean an amendment to the National Vaccination Plan that it will include foreigners?  - Yes

2.      And the substance of the amendment is that foreigners will be eligible for vaccines, following the same priority groups as Georgians?  -Yes

3.      Will eligible recipients need to have temporary or permanent residency in Georgia, or will visitors be eligible as well?  - Permanent residents will be eligible for coverage, employees of diplomatic missions will also be covered (both diplomas and non-diplomats)  

4.      Will there be any other conditions to satisfy? – None

I’m sorry for all the questions, but we are receiving many inquiries from private U.S. citizens about this and we want to be sure we are communicating the correct information.

Thanks and regards,
Kathryn

Dear Kathryn

The amendment is being processed. Meanwhile since the vaccination will first toe administered to health care workers, if there are US citizen health care workers practicing in Georgia, we will be offering the registration within the next 2 weeks.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia, MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

Dear Tamar, I hope you are well.  Is there any update on this?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

Thank you. I know you are very busy, so I appreciate your response.

Regards,

Kathryn

Dear Kathryn

The work is underway, I will inform you once this is finalized.

Best

Tamar

Hello Tamar, I hope you are well.  Now that’s it’s March (just barely, I know!), I am wondering if there is any update on this?

Thanks and regards,
Kathryn