Since the end of 2025, the movement permits of most residents of the Akhalgori district have expired. At present, approximately 80% of the district’s population does not hold valid permits.

Recently, the procedure for extending these permits has become significantly more complicated and has been subjected to stricter regulations. The restrictions have particularly affected employees of public sector institutions. Previously, under the existing rules, only individuals in managerial positions, accountants, and employees with access to state information were prohibited from traveling. Now, however, technical staff are also being denied permits.

Under the new regulations, applicants’ financial obligations are checked during the permit issuance process, including loans equivalent to 5,000–15,000 GEL. The stated aim is to prevent individuals from leaving the district in order to evade financial responsibilities. However, those who have recently been denied permit extensions do not have such financial obligations.

It is important to note that the vast majority of Akhalgori’s population is employed in the public sector. The current situation places local residents in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between keeping their jobs and being separated for long periods from family members who live beyond the dividing line.

The strict regulations are further compounded by selective enforcement and the existence of corrupt practices. According to local residents, individuals with close ties to the security structures and authorities are still able to obtain permits despite the restrictions, often using falsified medical certificates. In such cases, the district prosecutor and the district head reportedly personally advocate for the issuance of permits to these privileged individuals.

Some residents of Akhalgori see a way out of the situation in appealing directly to the President of the Russian Federation through a written letter. They consider negotiations with the local authorities ineffective and believe the issue can only be resolved with the involvement of higher authorities.