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From New Delhi and Karachi to Tbilisi: Who Makes Up the New Class in Georgia
The life of Indian and Pakistani immigrants in Georgia
In Georgian society, there’s a stereotype forming that everyone who comes from South Asia, collectively referred to as Indians, lives in an isolated social and information bubble—that they’re parasites in the country, being loud, littering, and not knowing any useful language.
However, the story of Indian and Pakistani immigrants is much deeper. Many arrive seeking education or simply an opportunity to feed themselves and their family. They are trying to adapt, to survive, and find a pocket of peace in a new country. Today, there are tens of thousands of immigrants from South Asia in Georgia that we unfortunately know almost nothing about.
However, the story of Indian and Pakistani immigrants is much deeper. Many arrive seeking education or simply an opportunity to feed themselves and their family. They are trying to adapt, to survive, and find a pocket of peace in a new country. Today, there are tens of thousands of immigrants from South Asia in Georgia that we unfortunately know almost nothing about.
Studying To Leave
Several people arriving from India have talked about the entire network of South Asian establishments, like cafes, magazines, and salons in Tbilisi, which have become informal meeting points for immigrants.
The majority of these places are concentrated near the Medical University and 300 Aragveli metro stations, where two of the largest universities for medical students from India, Pakistan, and other nearby countries are located. The main wave of South Asian immigrants in Tbilisi is these students. After the start of the war in Ukraine, Georgia became the next spot for those previously studying in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.
As of the 2024-2025 academic year, there are 20,319 students from India studying in Georgian universities (16,715 in private universities, 3,604 in public universities) and 1,186 (871 in private, 315 in public) from Pakistan. Indian students consistently make up the largest group of all foreign students studying in Georgia. The majority choose medical programs that include relatively affordable prices, classes in English, and internationally recognized diplomas.
The majority of these places are concentrated near the Medical University and 300 Aragveli metro stations, where two of the largest universities for medical students from India, Pakistan, and other nearby countries are located. The main wave of South Asian immigrants in Tbilisi is these students. After the start of the war in Ukraine, Georgia became the next spot for those previously studying in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.
As of the 2024-2025 academic year, there are 20,319 students from India studying in Georgian universities (16,715 in private universities, 3,604 in public universities) and 1,186 (871 in private, 315 in public) from Pakistan. Indian students consistently make up the largest group of all foreign students studying in Georgia. The majority choose medical programs that include relatively affordable prices, classes in English, and internationally recognized diplomas.
Vishnu Kumar, a medical student
Among the Indian students is Vishnu Kumar, who came from the city of Salem:
“I chose Georgia because of the level of education, the living conditions, and the safety compared to other foreign countries,” he says.
“At first, it was hard because of the language barrier, but many people living here helped me and my friend when we went to markets and stores. It was also difficult for my friends to adapt because of the weather, food, and language climate. And some Georgians are racist towards Indians.”
But adapting isn’t a solution to everyday issues. Vishnu tells about problems of a different type:
“Some young people were hostile to us. We heard unpleasant things. Sometimes we weren’t let into clubs or couldn’t rent apartments when they learned we were Indian."
He won’t be deceived:
“Racism won’t disappear just because our governments are friends. This is deeper—it’s fear, it’s ignorance. And also, not every visitor respects the local culture. A few bad stories and a shadow covers everyone.”
Still, Vishnu’s personal experience is rather positive. According to the student, he feels like he’s become a part of the country:
“The Georgian grandmothers in the markets are the nicest. With them, it’s easy. They make it feel like this could be home.”
“I chose Georgia because of the level of education, the living conditions, and the safety compared to other foreign countries,” he says.
“At first, it was hard because of the language barrier, but many people living here helped me and my friend when we went to markets and stores. It was also difficult for my friends to adapt because of the weather, food, and language climate. And some Georgians are racist towards Indians.”
But adapting isn’t a solution to everyday issues. Vishnu tells about problems of a different type:
“Some young people were hostile to us. We heard unpleasant things. Sometimes we weren’t let into clubs or couldn’t rent apartments when they learned we were Indian."
He won’t be deceived:
“Racism won’t disappear just because our governments are friends. This is deeper—it’s fear, it’s ignorance. And also, not every visitor respects the local culture. A few bad stories and a shadow covers everyone.”
Still, Vishnu’s personal experience is rather positive. According to the student, he feels like he’s become a part of the country:
“The Georgian grandmothers in the markets are the nicest. With them, it’s easy. They make it feel like this could be home.”
Vishnu’s statements are confirmed on social media. In popular Georgian Facebook groups, there are regular housing posts and announcements that directly state that they don't rent to Indian people.
One ad reads, " Restricted: Indians and pets.” The comments are supportive, even saying, “Kick all Indians out […] because all Indians smell, take my word.”
In another screenshot, someone asks: “Hello. Does someone know a place in Kvemo Ponichala where Indians work on cars?” One person replies: “Even if there’s not a single Georgian worker left, I’m still not going to an Indian one.”
These phrases combine racism and cultural prejudice.
One ad reads, " Restricted: Indians and pets.” The comments are supportive, even saying, “Kick all Indians out […] because all Indians smell, take my word.”
In another screenshot, someone asks: “Hello. Does someone know a place in Kvemo Ponichala where Indians work on cars?” One person replies: “Even if there’s not a single Georgian worker left, I’m still not going to an Indian one.”
These phrases combine racism and cultural prejudice.
Cultural differences and biases also affect the issue of immigration. In India, there are still features of the caste system, a social hierarchy that divides people at birth into groups.
Joseph, a medical student from South Asia, explains that in Hinduism, there are traditionally four main castes:
Brahmins – priests and teachers
Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors
Vaishyas – traders and merchants
Shudras – the working class and service workers
He emphasizes that the formal caste system doesn’t have a role outside of India, since many other countries have rules prohibiting discrimination based on it. However, Joseph adds that social attitudes can persist in Indian communities in countries like Georgia. But the economic factor is more important for immigration:
“Many students going abroad are from families that can afford it. They have social and financial support. And those working in low-paying jobs more often than not come to support their families. It’s not about castes, but about social class, income level, and access to opportunities.”
According to Joseph, moving to Georgia isn’t too complicated:
“Getting a Georgian visa from India is quite easy. There’s an electronic system where everything can be done online, you just need a passport, a photo, confirmation of housing, and a return ticket. The visa costs $30-45, and everything takes around five business days. If you’re planning to stay longer, for example, to study, the process is a bit different, but it’s still clear.”
In terms of healthcare, Joseph simply says:
“Public healthcare here is affordable to citizens and residents, but a lot of people prefer private insurance—it’s faster and better quality. Compared to India, especially in the private sector, medical services in Georgia can be more expensive. In India, basic medical services are cheaper but heavily dependent on the specific clinic. Generally, medical care is more accessible here but cheaper in India.”
Joseph also notes that locals’ warmth helps to overcome the cultural barrier:
“At first, I only knew ‘gamarjoba,’ ‘madloba,’ ‘bodishi”. I already understand the language and speak a bit. People helped. My landlord and her family treat me like family, inviting me to holidays, giving me treats, and taking care of me. Georgians are very kind people.”
Joseph, a medical student from South Asia, explains that in Hinduism, there are traditionally four main castes:
Brahmins – priests and teachers
Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors
Vaishyas – traders and merchants
Shudras – the working class and service workers
He emphasizes that the formal caste system doesn’t have a role outside of India, since many other countries have rules prohibiting discrimination based on it. However, Joseph adds that social attitudes can persist in Indian communities in countries like Georgia. But the economic factor is more important for immigration:
“Many students going abroad are from families that can afford it. They have social and financial support. And those working in low-paying jobs more often than not come to support their families. It’s not about castes, but about social class, income level, and access to opportunities.”
According to Joseph, moving to Georgia isn’t too complicated:
“Getting a Georgian visa from India is quite easy. There’s an electronic system where everything can be done online, you just need a passport, a photo, confirmation of housing, and a return ticket. The visa costs $30-45, and everything takes around five business days. If you’re planning to stay longer, for example, to study, the process is a bit different, but it’s still clear.”
In terms of healthcare, Joseph simply says:
“Public healthcare here is affordable to citizens and residents, but a lot of people prefer private insurance—it’s faster and better quality. Compared to India, especially in the private sector, medical services in Georgia can be more expensive. In India, basic medical services are cheaper but heavily dependent on the specific clinic. Generally, medical care is more accessible here but cheaper in India.”
Joseph also notes that locals’ warmth helps to overcome the cultural barrier:
“At first, I only knew ‘gamarjoba,’ ‘madloba,’ ‘bodishi”. I already understand the language and speak a bit. People helped. My landlord and her family treat me like family, inviting me to holidays, giving me treats, and taking care of me. Georgians are very kind people.”
Those Who Make Us Full: Pakistanis in Georgia
Besides students coming to Georgia to study, there’s another category of immigrants from South Asia who come seeking work. These are often delivery people, construction workers, cleaners, and cooks. This group is most often at risk of violating immigration and legalization rules.
These immigrants, mostly from Pakistan and India, regularly use Facebook communities to discuss housing, employment, paperwork, and adapting to Georgia. There, one can find concerns about the situation in the country.
These immigrants, mostly from Pakistan and India, regularly use Facebook communities to discuss housing, employment, paperwork, and adapting to Georgia. There, one can find concerns about the situation in the country.
On one of the communities in March, a message said:
“I don’t understand why everyone’s suddenly saying there’s no work in Tbilisi. Two months ago, everyone was saying that there were a lot of vacancies there and students could easily cover their expenses. What happened? I’m arriving in a few days—please explain it to me.”
In the comments, users explain that the labor market has declined, and community opinions are changing. There are increasing calls to make visa requirements stricter and to limit how many documents are issued. In response, authorities are strengthening their control.
“I don’t understand why everyone’s suddenly saying there’s no work in Tbilisi. Two months ago, everyone was saying that there were a lot of vacancies there and students could easily cover their expenses. What happened? I’m arriving in a few days—please explain it to me.”
In the comments, users explain that the labor market has declined, and community opinions are changing. There are increasing calls to make visa requirements stricter and to limit how many documents are issued. In response, authorities are strengthening their control.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, in March 2025, there were 97 foreigners deported for staying in the country illegally. Among them were individuals from India, Pakistan, China, Belarus, Tajikistan, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, and other countries. A portion of them voluntarily left, while some were forcibly deported. All of them are prohibited from returning.
The number of people being exiled is growing every year. Immigrants actively distribute information about deportations in their groups. In one of the Pakistani communities, an individual posted a photo from Georgian news sources where members of the immigration department were approaching Glovo and Wolt delivery persons.
In February, 85 people were deported, mainly from India and Pakistan. Please do not come here if you just want to find work. You’ll be wasting money,” he wrote.
In February, 85 people were deported, mainly from India and Pakistan. Please do not come here if you just want to find work. You’ll be wasting money,” he wrote.
Visa and diplomatic relations between Georgia and Pakistan, and India are constantly developing. While New Delhi and Tbilisi have established stable diplomatic channels and active study exchanges (Georgia openly advertises English language programs for Indian students), Pakistani relations are more tentative. Georgia is open to Pakistani students and tourists, but unlike Indian citizens, Pakistani citizens need to apply for a visa in advance and can't utilize e-visa or visa-free policies.
Moreover, the social and economic situations of Pakistani immigrants in Georgia are often trickier.
Arsh, a medical student from Pakistan, explains that in his country, as well as other South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, there’s a lack of resources due to overpopulation. High-quality education exists, but it’s so expensive that middle-class families can’t afford it.
“Compared to Pakistan, medical education is more affordable here,” he explains. “That’s why Pakistani students come to Georgia to study. But studying to be a doctor is very difficult, and working simultaneously isn’t possible; there’s just not time.”
Arsh stresses that a portion of students come for education, but some come to work, like students in commercial MBA or IT programs. Pakistan’s currency, like India's and Georgia's, is weak. Georgian earnings have value in terms of Pakistani rupees, which is why, for many immigrants, it's an opportunity to support their family still at home.
For comparison, according to official data, the average monthly salary in Pakistan is around ₨44,300 (about $150), and the minimum is near ₨ 37,000. In India, the average monthly salary is ₹32,890 (about $380), however, salaries for unskilled workers and those in rural areas are significantly lower. Many live on less than $100 a month. In the context of lari, this would equate to 100 lari a day being sufficient (approximately $35) to support a family in Georgia.
“There are poor people everywhere—Georgia, Australia, the U.S. Poor people from Pakistan and India are looking for countries where they can earn money, and Georgia is one of these options. It’s exactly like Georgians who want to go to Italy, America, or Australia for a better life,” Arsh explains.
Arsh, a medical student from Pakistan, explains that in his country, as well as other South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, there’s a lack of resources due to overpopulation. High-quality education exists, but it’s so expensive that middle-class families can’t afford it.
“Compared to Pakistan, medical education is more affordable here,” he explains. “That’s why Pakistani students come to Georgia to study. But studying to be a doctor is very difficult, and working simultaneously isn’t possible; there’s just not time.”
Arsh stresses that a portion of students come for education, but some come to work, like students in commercial MBA or IT programs. Pakistan’s currency, like India's and Georgia's, is weak. Georgian earnings have value in terms of Pakistani rupees, which is why, for many immigrants, it's an opportunity to support their family still at home.
For comparison, according to official data, the average monthly salary in Pakistan is around ₨44,300 (about $150), and the minimum is near ₨ 37,000. In India, the average monthly salary is ₹32,890 (about $380), however, salaries for unskilled workers and those in rural areas are significantly lower. Many live on less than $100 a month. In the context of lari, this would equate to 100 lari a day being sufficient (approximately $35) to support a family in Georgia.
“There are poor people everywhere—Georgia, Australia, the U.S. Poor people from Pakistan and India are looking for countries where they can earn money, and Georgia is one of these options. It’s exactly like Georgians who want to go to Italy, America, or Australia for a better life,” Arsh explains.
Many Pakistanis who come to Georgia for work form groups for affordable housing. In Facebook groups, immigrants from Pakistan and India can find apartments and rooms for rent, often in poor conditions but with prices around $300-$400 a month. Students from well-off families say they spend about $250 on housing, while less wealthy immigrants share spaces with 5-7 people. Their expenses are usually $70 a month or less. As a result, these immigrants find themselves not only geographically distanced but also socially, outside of society and infrastructure.
Among the most accessible jobs for them are delivery positions.
For many South Asian immigrants, delivering food is their main source of income, especially through popular platforms like Wolt and Glovo. Work schedules are flexible but exhausting, particularly when the goal isn’t just surviving but saving and sending money home.
As several delivery workers told, the rate of the day shift on Wolt is an average of 4 lari (around $1.40) per order. At night, orders are 50 tetri higher. This night shift is the most difficult, but it is popular among those who can’t afford housing or stable living conditions.
With good demand and access to a bicycle, a worker can fulfill 30 orders a day, which is about 120 lari for 12 hours of work. Delivery workers with motorcycles can fulfill twice this, but it requires gas and maintenance costs. This makes the theoretical net income about 200-250 lari ($70-90) a day.
“All of this depends on stamina,” explains one worker, “therefore, work is entirely unstable. One day you earn like normal, the next almost nothing.”
A lot depends on demand. When it’s low, orders come once an hour, but typical demand is one every five minutes. There are also bonuses during bad weather and high demand. In rainy weeks, “everyone works the whole time.” These days, drivers work essentially nonstop. For those forced to live in garages and temporary buildings, the night shift is the norm.
For many South Asian immigrants, delivering food is their main source of income, especially through popular platforms like Wolt and Glovo. Work schedules are flexible but exhausting, particularly when the goal isn’t just surviving but saving and sending money home.
As several delivery workers told, the rate of the day shift on Wolt is an average of 4 lari (around $1.40) per order. At night, orders are 50 tetri higher. This night shift is the most difficult, but it is popular among those who can’t afford housing or stable living conditions.
With good demand and access to a bicycle, a worker can fulfill 30 orders a day, which is about 120 lari for 12 hours of work. Delivery workers with motorcycles can fulfill twice this, but it requires gas and maintenance costs. This makes the theoretical net income about 200-250 lari ($70-90) a day.
“All of this depends on stamina,” explains one worker, “therefore, work is entirely unstable. One day you earn like normal, the next almost nothing.”
A lot depends on demand. When it’s low, orders come once an hour, but typical demand is one every five minutes. There are also bonuses during bad weather and high demand. In rainy weeks, “everyone works the whole time.” These days, drivers work essentially nonstop. For those forced to live in garages and temporary buildings, the night shift is the norm.
One of these garage complexes is on the outskirts of Tbilisi, where more than 10 motorcycles are parked with Wolt bags on them. I randomly started talking to a woman passing by, pushing a stroller. She refused to give her name, but said that she knows the person who rents these places out to immigrants as housing:
“I often walk here with my baby,” she said. “I feel sorry for them; they live so poorly. They don’t know anything about English or Georgian. I don’t understand how they even work. Of course, I feel bad for them, but they act horribly. Just…Indians.”
“I often walk here with my baby,” she said. “I feel sorry for them; they live so poorly. They don’t know anything about English or Georgian. I don’t understand how they even work. Of course, I feel bad for them, but they act horribly. Just…Indians.”
Several minutes later, a door of one of the garages opened, and three men walked out. We started talking there on the street. They turned out to be from Pakistan. Polite but a little hesitant, they were eager to talk about the idea of Pakistani culture.
Jahar, one of the people living in the tiny homes, was the most excited about this idea. He walked away at one point and returned with a freshly sealed bag.
“This is a present for you—our national clothing.”
Inside the bag was a traditional blue Pakistani outfit—a Shalwar Kameez.
A little later, another gentleman brought out a long piece of fabric—a karib—and showed me how to properly wrap it around his head. The three carefully watched, correcting the folds. Then, they invited me to tea.
“It’s Pakistani, sweet, with milk. Will you try it?“
Jahar, one of the people living in the tiny homes, was the most excited about this idea. He walked away at one point and returned with a freshly sealed bag.
“This is a present for you—our national clothing.”
Inside the bag was a traditional blue Pakistani outfit—a Shalwar Kameez.
A little later, another gentleman brought out a long piece of fabric—a karib—and showed me how to properly wrap it around his head. The three carefully watched, correcting the folds. Then, they invited me to tea.
“It’s Pakistani, sweet, with milk. Will you try it?“
Our conversation continued in the warmth. Between the concrete walls were three beds right next to each other. The windows were covered with heavy fabric blocking the light, and in the entrance was a large TV. An old heater hummed at full power. The depths of the darkness opened to what I assumed was a small kitchen with a gas stove where an old tea kettle sat. I could hear faint Pakistani music coming from the TV.
Jahar explained that he’s lived in Georgia for two years, most of which he’s spent working at Wolt. Moving to Georgia was an arduous process, and his brothers and sisters were denied visas. He got an ID card in the UAE to come to Georgia and apply for refugee status. He and his friends were lucky to find a small room for rent in Tbilisi for about $250. It can be cramped, but at least there's a roof over your head, the young Pakistani said, smiling.
During my chat with Jahar, he mentioned he belongs to the Rana and Jadri clans. Rana are descendants of Muslim Rajputs, traditionally a noble warrior class, and Jatt (or Jadri) is one of the largest ethnic Punjabi agrarian groups with a strong ancestral identity.
These differences can seem insignificant outside of Pakistan, but as several other South Asian immigrants explained, ancestry can define relationships in diasporas. When I asked whether Jahar had a girlfriend or wife in Georgia, he shook his head and explained that such relationships aren’t allowed due to family values and national principles.
Jahar and his friends have no contact with Georgians. According to him, this is because of prejudice against Pakistanis.
“I have one friend who had a wedding in Georgia, but Georgians were furious we celebrated.”
Jahar showed me a TikTok video of his friend’s wedding that some Georgian user recorded. The creator asks, "Why is there such loud music, and why is there a Pakistani wedding happening here?” In the comments, a discussion broke out; some demanded that they be punished, while others were outraged at the very presence of Pakistanis in the country. Some people defended them, but this was significantly less.
“Many find it hard to understand Pakistani culture, just as it’s hard for Pakistanis to understand Georgians.”
Immediately after the interview, Jahar and his friends unexpectedly bombarded me with questions about the protests in Georgia: why people were going to the streets, how I ended up here as a journalist, and what it was like. It turned out that they were following, albeit not too closely, what was happening at night on Rustaveli Avenue. Fascinated, they listened to Georgia’s fight for democracy against the regime.
They were genuinely interested in what was happening in the country where they lived. And perhaps, now society should reciprocate, not with rejection and fear, but with openness and acceptance. The new class has already become a part of the Georgian reality, and it’s going to be hard to continue to ignore and exclude them.
Jahar explained that he’s lived in Georgia for two years, most of which he’s spent working at Wolt. Moving to Georgia was an arduous process, and his brothers and sisters were denied visas. He got an ID card in the UAE to come to Georgia and apply for refugee status. He and his friends were lucky to find a small room for rent in Tbilisi for about $250. It can be cramped, but at least there's a roof over your head, the young Pakistani said, smiling.
During my chat with Jahar, he mentioned he belongs to the Rana and Jadri clans. Rana are descendants of Muslim Rajputs, traditionally a noble warrior class, and Jatt (or Jadri) is one of the largest ethnic Punjabi agrarian groups with a strong ancestral identity.
These differences can seem insignificant outside of Pakistan, but as several other South Asian immigrants explained, ancestry can define relationships in diasporas. When I asked whether Jahar had a girlfriend or wife in Georgia, he shook his head and explained that such relationships aren’t allowed due to family values and national principles.
Jahar and his friends have no contact with Georgians. According to him, this is because of prejudice against Pakistanis.
“I have one friend who had a wedding in Georgia, but Georgians were furious we celebrated.”
Jahar showed me a TikTok video of his friend’s wedding that some Georgian user recorded. The creator asks, "Why is there such loud music, and why is there a Pakistani wedding happening here?” In the comments, a discussion broke out; some demanded that they be punished, while others were outraged at the very presence of Pakistanis in the country. Some people defended them, but this was significantly less.
“Many find it hard to understand Pakistani culture, just as it’s hard for Pakistanis to understand Georgians.”
Immediately after the interview, Jahar and his friends unexpectedly bombarded me with questions about the protests in Georgia: why people were going to the streets, how I ended up here as a journalist, and what it was like. It turned out that they were following, albeit not too closely, what was happening at night on Rustaveli Avenue. Fascinated, they listened to Georgia’s fight for democracy against the regime.
They were genuinely interested in what was happening in the country where they lived. And perhaps, now society should reciprocate, not with rejection and fear, but with openness and acceptance. The new class has already become a part of the Georgian reality, and it’s going to be hard to continue to ignore and exclude them.
