Latest news with #KutaisiAirport
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
In Georgia, Pak man with UAE residency denied entry to US state, says 'was treated like a criminal'. Know the revised rules
A Pakistani national with UAE residency faced detention and denial of entry at Kutaisi International Airport in Georgia, despite possessing valid documents. The traveler recounted a harrowing experience of mistreatment and humiliation, highlighting concerns about discriminatory practices. Georgia's updated visa policy now mandates a minimum validity of one year on GCC residency permits, impacting travelers from designated countries. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pak man denied entry to Georgia Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Georgia's revised rules A Pakistani national living in the UAE was detained for more than 12 hours and denied entry at Kutaisi International Airport during the Eid al-Adha holiday, despite holding valid UAE residency and all required travel documents, according to a Reddit post shared by the traveller and media reports. The traveller, a Pakistani national with UAE residency, had planned a short vacation to Georgia, assuming his documents would suffice. Instead, he and his friend were denied entry, detained in a "prison-like" room, and allegedly humiliated by airport authorities, despite having valid allows visa-free entry to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, and also permits individuals holding a UAE visa or residence permit to stay for up to 90 a Reddit post cautioning fellow Pakistanis against traveling to Georgia, one user recounted a troubling experience at Kutaisi Airport. He explained that he and a friend had flown from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi via Wizz Air, carrying valid UAE residency permits, confirmed hotel reservations, return tickets, travel insurance, and all necessary documentation. Despite being fully prepared, their trip quickly soured when immigration officers singled them out upon learning they were from Pakistan."If you are a Pakistani National with UAE residency, I warn you to not waste your money and face the humiliation we faced at Kutaisi airport," the user wrote in the Reddit said they were then taken to a separate room, where officials refused to answer any of their questions. Instead, they were treated with hostility and instructed to stand in a corner. After about 20 minutes, a woman entered and informed them they would not be allowed to enter Georgia. When they asked for a reason, she simply replied, 'We cannot tell you.''There was no explanation, no evidence, no mention of any violation—just a vague refusal,' he recounted. 'We asked politely for clarification, but they continued to treat us like criminals.'The Reddit user emphasized that neither he nor his friend had misbehaved or lacked any required paperwork. Still, they were detained for over 12 hours in what he described as a "prison-like" room with no access to food, clean water, or a sanitary added that he holds a senior position in Abu Dhabi, has a clean travel record, and no criminal history. Despite this, he claimed the airport officials were aggressive and tried to confiscate their phones when they realized he was attempting to contact the UAE and Pakistani embassies.'Our loss wasn't just financial—we lost money on flights, hotels, insurance, and car rentals,' he wrote. 'But far worse was the mental anguish, anxiety, and psychological toll. The officers were rude, racist, and unjust—plain and simple. We feel humiliated, angry, and dehumanized. This experience will stay with us forever.'The post quickly gained traction online, prompting others to share similar experiences in Georgia.'I'm Nigerian, and this happened to me and my friend in 2023. It was a horrible experience. Now, even when traveling elsewhere, I get PTSD about possible entry refusal—even with all documents in order,' one commenter shared.'They target many Indians too,' another user added. 'Traveling to Georgia is risky for South Asians. It's best to avoid it altogether.''You're not the first,' noted a third. 'Georgia has earned a bad reputation for its treatment of South Asians. As a Pakistani, you're better off visiting neighboring Azerbaijan.'Georgia has updated its visa policy, now requiring that citizens from designated countries holding multiple-entry visas or residence permits from GCC states must have at least one year of validity remaining on those documents at the time of entry. Travelers must be able to present proof of this validity. Previously, no minimum validity period was specified, reports agents in the UAE have confirmed that incidents similar to Muhammad's have become more common since the new rules were implemented.'This isn't unusual—many countries have had such requirements for years,' said Godly Babukutty, a UAE-based travel agent, in a statement to Khaleej Times. 'Georgia is tightening its entry policies because many travelers arrive without a proper itinerary or fail to complete all necessary sections of the entry form.'Babukutty advised travelers to secure hotel reservations, return flights, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds before departure. 'This is why it's always safer to book through travel agencies that ensure all documentation is in order. And we strongly advise never traveling without insurance,' he added.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
‘Treated Like Criminal': Pakistani Man Alleges Georgia Denied Him Entry Despite Valid UAE Residency
Last Updated: Georgia permits visa-free entry to UAE citizens and allows UAE residency holders to stay for up to 90 days. A Pakistani national with valid UAE residency alleged he was denied entry into Georgia without explanation, despite carrying all necessary documents. In a viral Reddit post, the traveller recounted being detained for over 12 hours in what he described as a 'prison-like" room at Kutaisi Airport, where he claims he was humiliated and mistreated by immigration officials. Georgia permits visa-free entry to UAE citizens and allows UAE residency holders to stay for up to 90 days. The man, who had planned a short vacation to the country with a friend, shared his experience, saying, 'We flew in from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi on Wizz Air. We had our hotel bookings, return tickets, travel insurance — everything in order. But as soon as we said we were Pakistani nationals, the officers pulled us aside." According to the post, immigration officers took their passports and photographed them in front of other passengers. The two travellers were then taken to a separate room and denied basic information. 'When we asked why we were being held, one officer just said: 'We cannot tell you,'" the man claimed, adding, 'No reason, no documentation, no violation — just a vague statement and dismissive attitude." He said they were detained for over 12 hours in a locked room with no access to proper food, clean water, or a sanitary bathroom. 'It was like a prison," he wrote, adding that efforts to contact the UAE or Pakistani embassies were met with hostility. 'They tried to snatch our phones when they saw me trying to call the embassy." The man also shared that he holds a senior position in Abu Dhabi, has no criminal record, and possesses a strong travel history. 'We were not misbehaving. Our paperwork was complete. Still, we were treated like criminals," he wrote. 'The loss isn't just financial," he continued, referring to expenses on flights, accommodation, insurance, and rental cars, adding, 'It's the psychological toll — the humiliation, the anxiety, and the sheer helplessness." He concluded his post by calling out the officers' behaviour as 'rude, racist, and unjust," saying, 'We feel dehumanised. We will never forget this." About the Author Mallika Soni Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Georgia First Published: June 06, 2025, 21:59 IST
