Tbilisi imposed a stricter visa regime for Russian nationals last week and formally broke off diplomatic ties with Russia on Tuesday after Moscow recognized breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia's decision followed a conflict triggered by a Georgian military offensive on South Ossetia.
"Martial law was imposed during military action by Russia's occupying force in Georgia. And the president toughened visa procedures for Russian nationals," Deputy Foreign Minister Grigol Vashidze said. "Now, after martial law has been cancelled in Georgia, the president as a sign of good will made a decision to reinstate previous regulations for issuing visas."
Prior to the restrictions, Russians were able to obtain Georgian visas at any checkpoint on the shared border for $20 dollars. The new rules saw Russians forced to apply to Georgian consulates in third countries.
On Wednesday, Moscow said it was shutting down the consular section at its embassy in Georgia following Tbilisi's formal announcement that it cut diplomatic ties with Russia. It is believed that the move will affect thousands of Georgians living in Russia.
A Russian embassy official said visa applications that had already been submitted would be considered as usual.
Georgians working in Russia send $1.2-$2 billion back home annually, equivalent to more than 20% of Georgia's budget revenue and accounting for 60% of all foreign money transfers.
